Organizational History

Origins & Inspiration (2011–2015)

Foundational Connection Dr. Teri Marcos, then Program Director of the MS in Educational Leadership and Preliminary and Clear Administrative Services Credential Programs at Azusa Pacific University, was invited as a keynote speaker to the Women in Educational Leadership Conference (WELC) at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln (UNL) in 2011. Dr. Marcos became a regular attendee and contributor publishing within the WELC journal.

Expansion & Collaboration When Dr. Marcos transitioned to National University in 2014, she invited a team of presenters to WELC at UNL. Recognizing the value and reach of the conference model, Dr. Marcos approached Dr. Marilyn Grady, the founder of WELC, with a vision to replicate the conference at National University. Dr. Grady endorsed the initiative.

Establishment & Growth (2016–Present)

Conference Launch The Women in Organizational Leadership Conference (WILC) debuted in 2016 at National University’s Sanford Education Center in Torrey Pines. The inaugural event honored Dr. Donna Elder by establishing the Donna Elder Inspired Leader Award (DEILA), recognizing outstanding women leaders in education and organizational contexts.

Institutional Support & Formalization WILC gained strong institutional backing within the Sanford College of Education at National University. Then Dean, Dr. Judy Mantle, recognized the conference's value and requested the WILC team to develop a dedicated budget line. This led to the creation of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization: Women in Leadership Organization (WILO) — formalizing the mission and ensuring sustainable funding and operations.

International Recognition In 2022, WILO achieved significant milestone status when it was approved by the United Nations Council on the Status of Women (CSW) as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). Since 2021, WILO teams have presented annually at the CSW, amplifying the organization's global voice on women's leadership and organizational development.

Key Milestones

Year Milestone

2011 Dr. Teri Marcos keynotes WELC at UNL; begins annual participation

2014 Dr. Marcos joins National University; invites presenter team to WELC

2016 Dr. Marcos invites team to present at WELC

2017 Women in Organizational Leadership Conference (WILC) launches at NU; DEILA established

2020 WILO 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization formally created with institutional support

2021 WILO begins presenting at UN Council on the Status of Women (CSW)

2022 WILO officially approved as NGO by UN CSW

Mission & Impact

WILO continues to advance women's leadership in education and organizational contexts through:

  • Annual WILC conference fostering professional development, networking, and student scholarship

  • Recognition of emerging and established women leaders via DEILA

  • International advocacy and collaboration through UN CSW participation

  • Support from the Sanford College of Education and partnering Colleges at National University.