COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The Maryland Athletics Brand U Leadership Academy held its inaugural Women In Leadership Development (W.I.L.D) session with female student-athletes from a host of different teams on Wednesday evening.  

The W.I.L.D. Women's group will serve as an opportunity to develop leadership skills and be an outlet for the current female student-athletes to share their thoughts, concerns, and feelings to the women of the Terrapin family. The group will meet once a month during the spring semester with Director of Student-Athlete Engagement and Professional Development Dr. Jamie Williams and Big Ten Fellow Malina Howard serving as facilitators for the program.

"It is of supreme importance that we provide the opportunities for our young women to develop all of the unique leadership skills and philosophies available,” said Williams. “All industries are mining for young talent endowed with IQ, EQ (emotional intelligence), and leadership acumen. W.I.L.D presents a learning environment for young women to explore the amorphous qualities of leadership and adopt what fits for them.”

Sr. Associate AD for Academics & Student Development Dr. Sue Sherburne served as the night's guest speaker. Dr. Sherburne told her story of rising to a leadership role in the workforce and led discussion within the group.

Madison Maguire -- Freshman, Field Hockey

"I think W.I.L.D. is really important because as women and athletes it's critical to develop our leadership skills and support one another in the process. I thought it was really interesting to hear from Dr. Sue Sherburne, a woman in our athletic department and hear her story. It was very inspirational" 

Shatori Walker-Kimbrough -- Senior, Women's Basketball

"I feel as if leadership can be used in all aspects of life not just athletics which is why I want to better my leadership skills for my professional career along with life after basketball"

Brand U will also launch its Men in Leadership Development (M.I.L.D) program this month.

-Terps-