From our community
People. Purpose. Leadership.
Meet the people behind WAFW and explore projects and milestones from the Academy’s history.
Connecting with the next generation
Leadership journeys
From Academy member to alum leader
Jessie Huang brings her experience as a Sias University alum and executive assistant to WAFW’s founder to her work connecting the Academy’s alumni community.
Mentoring across borders
Ruth Anne Wood began facilitating with WAFW in China in 2018 and later mentored students remotely, contributing to a community that learns and leads across distances.
Experience in service of leadership
Karen Nair brings experience from community college teaching and IBM to WAFW’s work, including facilitating the Academy’s program in Mexico in 2024.
From our project history
Earlier Academy initiatives show how participants put leadership into practice through education, enterprise, and community service.
Education & community
Literacy Project
The Give a Book, Get a Smile initiative documented a book donation by Danielle Hampson to WAFW’s Literacy Project in Xinzheng, Henan Province, China.
Participant record · 2014
Marketplace Project
Academy alum Betsy Huang described a student project selling products, including handicrafts made by rural women. Participants practiced marketing, stock management, and budgeting, with revenue supporting charitable projects.
Participant record · 2013
Sunshine Angels
Participant Harrily Han described volunteering at a special education school in Xinzheng, helping children practice English and other skills and taking part in games.
Recognition through the years
These historical honors recognize founder Jerrie Ueberle’s contribution to women’s leadership.
2021 · IPWS
Lifetime Achievement Award
The International Professional Women’s Society named Jerrie Ueberle its 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
2019 · Sias University
Outstanding Contribution Award
Jerrie’s published account records recognition for creating WAFW during Sias University’s twentieth-anniversary celebration, as the Academy marked ten years.
2017 · Sisterhood Extravaganza
Ladies Leading a Legacy
Jerrie received this honor in Phoenix in March 2017 for her contribution to educational and career opportunities for women.
Explore the Academy
Leadership in practice
Learn how facilitated modules, mentoring, and community projects help participants turn purpose into action.
An international community
Discover the Academy’s university partnerships and connections across seven countries.
Share your WAFW story
Are you an alum, student, mentor, facilitator, or partner with an experience to share? Contact the team to discuss a story for the WAFW community.