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Charbonnette named new director of Women’s Leadership Initiative

W Constinia Charbonnette

The WVU Office of the Provost announces the appointment of W. Constinia Charbonnette as director of the WVU Women’s Leadership Initiative effective July 1.

The Women’s Leadership Initiative was originally established in 2012 as the Developing Women Leaders program. From its inception, the initiative has aimed to empower women in leadership roles across WVU and provide them the resources to help them reach their full potential. 

Supported by the Office of the Provost, the WLI is guided by a 12-person steering committee of professionals across WVU campuses, including the WLI director. Each year, the WLI leadership team provides a unique curriculum and hosts a variety of professional learning and networking opportunities for its members around this leadership curriculum. 

“I am excited to serve WLI and its members in such a meaningful way, especially because WLI has been integral to my professional ascension at WVU,” said Charbonnette. “WLI creates space for women leaders to network, learn and grow in their professions and purpose to advance the lives of women, which collectively advances the lives of everyone. And given this important time in our state and national history, the mission and work of WLI has never been needed more.”

Charbonnette currently serves as assistant professor and director of strategic initiatives in the WVU School of Public Health. In addition to her teaching, Charbonnette leverages academic programs to meet the demands of the public health workforce and provides leadership to the school’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Previously, Charbonnette served as assistant dean of graduate programs for the John Chambers College of Business and Economics, held varying positions in the Office of Graduate Education and Life and taught in the College of Education and Human Services. Prior to joining the Mountaineer family, Charbonnette provided leadership at Washington & Jefferson College as assistant dean of student life and multicultural affairs.

“Professor Charbonnette has brought intense dedication and commitment to each of her leadership roles within and outside of WVU,” said Melissa Latimer, Associate Provost for Faculty Development and Culture. “Her leadership has already benefitted many constituents across our campus, including the diverse undergraduate and graduate students she helped to recruit and support. I am excited to see how she translates these skills and experiences to her leadership role with the Women’s Leadership Initiative and her impact on WVU’s culture of inclusivity and diversity, especially for female faculty and staff members.”

Charbonnette has been a member of WLI since 2013 and a member of the steering committee since 2019, and she succeeds Allison Dagen who is stepping down as WLI director to take on additional responsibilities with the Office of Graduate Education and Life. Charbonnette earned her Doctor of Education and Master of Business Administration from WVU, a Master of Science in secondary mathematics from the University of New Haven, and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Howard University. 

Learn more about the WLI initiative and its programs.