Skip to content Skip to Live Chat

OUR STORIES

Women's History Month

Learn About the Experiences of Women at WGU


 

WGU is committed to promoting inclusion, respect, and acceptance for differences, equal opportunity, and diversity in everything that we do. It's why we endeavor to be the most inclusive university in the world. WGU is bridging the gap between talent and opportunity by offering high-quality, equitable higher education that is accessible regardless of your location or background.

We aim to recognize, support, and amplify students' voices while creating greater pathways to opportunities for students across the country. By putting degree opportunities within reach and improving access to learning, we advance equity for every student.

Join us as we celebrate Women's History Month, and recognize how students and employees are making a difference in their communities around the country.

Women’s History Month Employee Spotlight: Javonda Quinn

For Javonda Quinn, director of diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) at WGU, her enthusiasm to see others succeed allowed her to become the leader she is today.

Women’s History Month: Employee Spotlight Mitsu Frazier

For several decades, women have been striving to change their role in society and the workplace. In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re amplifying the stories of remarkable women who are making an impact at WGU—and beyond. Mitsu Frazier is one of them.

No obstacles: How a new mom and military spouse earned her degree.

Being a new mom and a military spouse is challenging enough. The lack of sleep, unpredictable schedule, and frequent deployments are a lot to handle. But imagine also being a full-time college student—in the midst of a global pandemic!

Trailblazing Black CIO Inspires Other Women in Tech

As the first Black woman to work in IT for Shelby County in Tennessee, Sandra Perry has blazed a trail for other women to follow. She has now worked for the government for 21 years and her position as a leader of the information technology team allows her to continue to create pathways of opportunity. 

"We endeavor to consider the unique needs of women as a historically marginalized group, both for the benefit of WGU’s employees and students. We also seek to empower women by providing access to a community of women within the university, connecting those with common professional goals. Part of the mission for the WAW ERG is to bridge a gap between talent and opportunity, through the professional growth, social enhancement, and academic development of women. This concept aligns with WGU’s mission because WGU helps students achieve their dream in education by providing support, empowerment, accessibility, and affordable education."
–The Women at WGU (WAW) Employee Resource Group

Advance Equity Speaker Series (AESS)

Representation Matters: The Stories, Experiences, and Opportunities for Women in Technology

Join us for a conversation with three dynamic leaders who are creating pathways to advance equity for women in the tech sector. This panel will look at barriers that women face in the tech sector and its implications, discuss how to retain and support underrepresented women in tech, and highlight initiatives taking place to close the gender gap in IT.

Panelists: Jane Chung, Managing Director, Deloitte & Touche LLP; Dwana Franklin-Davis, CEO, Reboot Representation; and Peggy White, Associate Dean and Director, WGU College of Information Technology.

Cybersecurity pro paves way for future women tech leaders.

If you ever wonder if you have what it takes to succeed as a woman in today’s business and technology-driven world, Kara Greer, Director, Customer Projects PMO at Schneider Electric, is going to give you a definite ‘yes.’ 

"The goal is to just help people. I love helping people and I know that's what I'm meant to do. So I plan to utilize my degree and my experience—both personal and professional—to go to great heights."
–Adriana Grimes, B.S. Business Management

From competitive runner to running a department.

From her time as a college-level track and field athlete to the challenges of earning a graduate degree as a wife, mother, and working professional, Connie Washington has always relied on her competitive mindset to defy expectations and achieve success on her own terms.

"I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead WGU efforts in Texas and the South Region, helping individuals overcome financial barriers and time constraints to earning their bachelor’s or master’s degree."
–Linda Garza Battles, Regional Vice President, Chancellor of WGU Texas

Featured Articles

Deloitte Foundation Endowed Scholarship for Women in Tech at WGU

Western Governors University’s (WGU) mission is to change lives by creating pathways to opportunity with high-quality, competency-based, post-secondary degree paths that support racially and ethnically diverse students in higher education.

True stories from women in IT.

Even though women make up more than half of the workforce, they only hold 26 percent of professional computing occupations, according to the National Center for Women and Information Technology.

WGU Grad, NASCAR Rookie of the Year: Molly Helmuth

Most people have never been sent careening into a wall while traveling over 200 mph behind the wheel of a racecar. Even fewer have experienced this thrill (or sheer terror) intentionally at the hands of jealous colleagues looking to gain a professional advantage at our detriment.   

Utah Royals goalkeeper pursues love of learning.

For most people, the thought of a soccer ball flying toward their head would be fairly scary. But for Abby Smith, it’s all in a day’s work.

Scholarships Available for Affordable Education

Scholarships are one of the many ways in which WGU removes obstacles from your path to achieving your education goals and improving your career opportunities.

B4 Women in Tech Grant

The WGU B4 Women in Tech Persistence and Possibility Grant is available to new, readmission, and current students. The donor1 desires that when awarding this scholarship, special consideration be given for students who have demonstrated experience in or commitment to working with historically underserved or underrepresented populations, such as Black, Latina and Native American women.

Margaret McClure Scholarship

A prestigious award toward tuition in most of WGU’s College of Health Professions degree programs. Recipients will be selected for their demonstrated activism or innovation in nursing that improves patient outcomes.

Military Spouse Scholarship

Moves and deployments greatly impact your ability to achieve a degree, but WGU can help you maintain your education on the go with our flexible, online education. Spouses of active duty military personnel, veterans, guard, and reservists are qualified to receive a Military Spouse Scholarship.

Visit the WGU Store

WGU Store: Women's History Month

Celebrate Women's History Month with WGU with our officially branded merchandise!