Connect with VCU women in March
Whether you’re reconnecting or making new friends, there are several ways to connect with women in March. Find the event near you to feel empowered and inspired.
Cups of Connection: DMV Women’s Gathering
When: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: Tea with Mrs. B, 136 W. Jefferson St., Falls Church, VA, 22046
Celebrating the Women of VCU Brunch
When: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: Historic Mankin Mansion, 4300 Oakleys Lane, Richmond, VA 23223
This event has reached capacity. To join the waitlist, contact Sarah Ramkey, director of alumni and student engagement, at [email protected].
This inspiring morning of connection and community celebrating the women of VCU includes brunch, mimosas, complimentary professional headshots, interactive discussions and exclusive giveaways.
This year’s theme is “Spilling the Tea: Bold Women, Bold Leadership,” plus, attendees will be among the first to learn about a new university initiative for women. Your ticket includes brunch with vegan options, two drink tickets for the mimosa bar and a professional headshot.
The panel discussion, hosted by Catherine Ingrassia, Ph.D., dean of the VCU College of Humanities and Sciences, will discuss leadership, revealing untold truths, challenges and lessons learned. Meet our host and expert panelists:
Catherine Ingrassia, Ph.D., dean of the VCU College of Humanities and Sciences
Catherine Ingrassia is dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences and professor in the Department of English. Prior to her role as dean, she served as chair of the English department, associate dean for academic affairs, and executive associate dean for research and graduate affairs. During that period, she played a leadership role in the creation of the interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Media, Art and Text program, as well as the Humanities Research Center. As an academic, Ingrassia has published seven books on eighteenth-century British literature, with a particular focus on women writers. She has held fellowships and received funding from the NEH, the Newberry Library, and the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library.
Kendra Cabler, Ph.D. (Ph.D.’19), senior manager, people strategy, DEI at Etsy
An experienced consultant, facilitator and educator, Cabler holds a Ph.D. in adult learning and organizational leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University, and an M.Ed. in educational policy, planning and leadership and a B.A. in sociology from William & Mary. With more than a decade of experience as a DEI professional, Cabler has worked with senior leaders in corporate, higher education, nonprofit and government sectors to explore what it means to cultivate and sustain a culture of inclusion across the organization. At Etsy, she focuses on retaining top talent by driving workplace initiatives, programs and practices that give shape to opportunities for connection and growth, and she works to create environments that allow and encourage everyone to thrive by operating in ways that are authentic and human.
Mykel Parham (B.A.’23), VCU student-athlete, women’s basketball, and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee leader
Mykel Parham is a sixth-year student-athlete and member of the VCU women’s basketball team, where she has demonstrated leadership both on and off the court. She is pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree and will graduate this spring. Parham has been actively involved in student leadership, holding multiple roles on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Passionate about social justice and advocating for women, Parham is committed to using her platform to drive positive change in her community. She hopes to work in politics and policy analysis in her future career.
Katherine Wintsch (M.S.’01), founder and CEO, The Mom Complex, and author of “Slay Like a Mother”
As the founder and CEO of The Mom Complex, Wintsch helps companies such as Walmart, Target, Johnson & Johnson and Chobani develop new products and services for mothers. She wrote the popular book “Slay Like a Mother,” which Parade magazine named one of the “top 10 life-changing self-help books of the year.” Her sought-after research on women and mothers has been featured on “The Today Show” and in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Fast Company. But don’t let the accolades fool you. She’s also been through years of therapy, decades of self-doubt and more than her fair share of tequila. Thankfully, she tamed her “dragon of self-doubt,” and now she’s helping other women do the same.
Teresa L. Edwards (M.H.A. ‘84), recently retired as senior vice president, Sentara
An innovative health care leader in acute care and ambulatory leadership, Edwards has long served as an advocate for improving patient outcomes.
She joined Sentara in September 2008 as the president of the 250-bed Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia, and is now senior vice president and regional president, overseeing the five community hospitals in Sentara’s Eastern region.
Edwards has been a leader and role model to VCU students and future health care leaders for almost 40 years. Throughout her career, she has provided ongoing support of the College of Health Professions’ Department of Health Administration, where she has mentored and served as a preceptor to M.H.A. students. She taught a graduate class and was a member and chair of the health administration alumni advisory committee.
Learn more about the VCU Women’s Impact Network
VCU Alumni is guided by the university’s statement on nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. Events and activities are open to all genders.
Categories Alumni