About Us
The Women in Leadership Organization (WILO) is dedicated to advancing women’s leadership through research, global convenings, and collaborative partnerships that drive meaningful change. We bring together scholars, professionals, and community leaders to foster innovation, strengthen leadership pathways, and promote equity across sectors. Read more about our board members below to learn about the leaders guiding WILO’s mission and vision.
Meet Our Co-Presidents
PTraynorNilsen@nu.edu
Patricia Nilsen-Traynor, Ed.D. is an accomplished educational leader, professor, and advocate for women in leadership with over 33 years in K–12 public education and more than 20 years in higher education. Her career reflects a steadfast commitment to developing ethical, transformative leaders and advancing equitable opportunities for women, directly aligning with WILO’s mission to support the status of women in the United States and globally, particularly in leadership.
She began as an English and Physical Education teacher and Adapted Physical Education Specialist, advancing to counselor, assistant principal, principal, director, and Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services. She led school turnaround efforts, built Professional Learning Communities, reduced suspensions and campus violence, increased attendance, strengthened parent engagement, and partnered with teacher associations to improve practice, centering equity and inclusion.
Since 2015, she has served as Professor at National University, teaching Organizational Leadership, coordinating credential programs, mentoring administrators, leading accreditation aligned curriculum, and advancing global scholarship on ethical leadership and gender equity.
Donna Elder, Ed.D., has been a member of the Sanford College of Education since 2007. She is a full professor and has served as faculty, Co-Chair of the Teacher Education Department, Associate Dean, and interim Dean. She is currently a faculty member in the Department of Organizational Leadership and Educational Administration. She brings experience as a public and independent schoolteacher, coordinator, principal, and superintendent of schools for three school districts in California. Additionally, she served as Director of the UCLA Laboratory School Program. She is a past president of the International Laboratory Schools Association. She has served as a leadership coach for a variety of women and men in educational leadership positions. Dr. Elder is co-editor of the textbook, Transforming into an Educational Leader, as well as an array of other publications. Dr. Elder was presented the Leadership Award by the Women in Leadership in 2016. She brings more than thirty-eight years of experience as a public and independent schoolteacher, coordinator, principal, and superintendent of schools for three school districts in California. Dr. Elder received her BS from Washington State University, her MS from Texas A&M University, and her Ed.D. in Leadership Development from the University of La Verne.
Meet Our Board Members
Secretary
Dina Pacis: Ed.D., serves as Vice President of the Women in Leadership Organization, Inc. (WILO), an international NGO dedicated to advancing the educational rights and leadership opportunities of women and girls worldwide. Through her advocacy and service including participation as a delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, she works to elevate global dialogue around equity and access in education.
In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Dr. Pacis is Professor and Chair of the Department of Organizational Leadership and Educational Administration in the Sanford College of Education at National University. A former PK–12 educator and administrator with nearly 30 years of experience, she is deeply committed to equity, diversity, and social justice. She holds a Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in literacy and continues to advance research and practice supporting marginalized communities.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Jennifer Preimesberger, Ed.D., is an Associate Professor in the Sanford College of Education at National University and former Director of the Center for Innovation, Development, Evaluation, and Research (CIDER). Her career spans classroom teaching, site administration, and higher education leadership, providing her with a comprehensive and globally informed perspective on educational practice and policy. She began as a classroom teacher and advanced to roles as assistant principal and principal, overseeing school operations, mentoring faculty, and leading the development of inclusive curricula responsive to diverse learners.
Dr. Preimesberger’s leadership is grounded in advancing equity and elevating the status of women in education, with particular emphasis on women in leadership in the United States and globally. She integrates research, innovation, and international collaboration to strengthen women’s leadership capacity, expand access and opportunity, and promote institutional cultures where women leaders thrive. Through scholarship, mentorship, and program development, she advances educational excellence and systemic change worldwide.