MS in Leadership Faculty and Advisory Board

The online Master of Science in Leadership (MSL) from Benedictine University is taught by women, for women. A professionally diverse faculty comprised of attorneys, CEOs, CFOs and entrepreneurs deliver in-depth study of the nuance of female-driven leadership. Guest lecturers include both men and women who are well-versed in the unique qualities of women's leadership in today's male-dominated business culture.

The Benedictine master's-level leadership curriculum was created by women with extensive leadership experience. Each student is paired with a mentor for support, networking and guidance. With its real-world, immediate applications, the teachings of the Benedictine MSL faculty can be put into practice right away.

In addition, the program's Women Advisory Board is made up of accomplished women who are experienced and proven leaders in their professions and communities. Find out more about these remarkable individuals below.

Karen Chung
A multifaceted entrepreneur who has founded and operated an array of professional services concerns, Karen possesses over 18 years experience in a range of disciplines including finance, operations management, accounting, sales, marketing and international business. She is currently the owner of Nomadic Consulting, which assists Fortune 500 companies in identifying and placing strategic diverse talent in executive positions. She also is also the founder of Nomadic Capital, which has an industry focus on real estate. Karen is currently in the process of forming Nomadic Investments to focus and expand on the real estate activities with a plan to create a real estate investment fund.

Donna Grant Dorsey
Donna currently serves as vice president of human resources for Navistar Inc., where she is responsible for all strategies related to talent management, recruitment, performance management, diversity and people development. In addition to her business unit human resources responsibilities, Donna serves as an enterprise Navistar human resources leader responsible for HR project management and enterprise HUR strategy development. Prior to joining Navistar, she was manager of human resources at Sears, Roebuck & Company (now Sears Holding) where she was instrumental in leading the development of people strategies for corporate functions and serving as a leader for diversity initiatives across the enterprise. Donna is a member of Society Human Resource Management, HR Management Association of Chicago, Northwest Human Resources Council, National Association of African American's in HR, American Society of Training and Development, National Urban League, American Bar Association and the Illinois Bar Association.

Barbara Dwyer
Barbara Dwyer is a professional image consultant with Premier Designs. She is an award-winning community leader, a popular columnist, a contributing editor for Speaking Faith, and a sought-after speaker who has a gift for engaging her audience. Barbara established and operated The Comprehensive Counseling Center, Ltd., a community-based marriage and family therapy practice. She also held an executive position at Benedictine University and managed the City of Naperville Social Services Division.

Olfat El-Mallakh
Olfat is an accomplished author, artist and educator who has published myriad poems, stories and articles and has served as editor for various publications. Her expertise in the customs, manners, and character of the Middle East has resulted in appearances on television and radio. As a proponent for education, Olfat has served as lecturer for a number of colleges and universities and is a recipient of the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award for the Humanities from the College of DuPage. She was invited to present scholarly papers at the Oxford Round Table at Oxford University on two occasions.

Ann Farrell
Ann is an executive, business and leadership coach who facilitates the powerful alignment between people and organizations. She created and trademarked a leadership developing coaching system for executives, leaders and team success, which is currently used by more than 35 corporate coaching firms. She also developed the programs "Your Corporate Success", a group coaching experience; Quantum EQ (Emotional Intelligence); Quantum Game Changers (Innovation); Quantum Start (Successful On-boarding); SOAR to Success (a six-month virtual "next level" leadership program); "Best Life & Career"; and "Shoot for the Stars, Not the Ceiling" for women. As a business owner, Ann's firm has delivered successful results for over 50 Fortune 500 companies and 500 small businesses. She has served as United Way Executive Champion for three years and has also served as executive sponsor and champion for women's and diversity groups.

Sammer Ghouleh
Sammer Ghouleh is an accomplished author, artist and prolific orator. Her art exhibits have been displayed globally and she has won international acclaim for her writing. Sammer has published several books of poetry and is currently working on two books, Leaves of Life and A Rose in My Garden. Her passion for empowering women to improve the quality of their lives led her to establish Spirit magazine, which focuses on the important roles women play in nurturing and promoting one another. She is also the creator of Ms. Diversity USA, a unique pageant for women.

Ingrid Johnson
Ingrid has over 15 years of marketing and sales experience with Fortune 500 companies and is currently the Midwest Region Entity Sales Controller for Xerox Corporation. She is also the founder of Windy City Woman of Color, Inc. a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower multicultural women through education, professional development and executive training. Ingrid's ultimate goal is to create a forum for women to gain access to career advancement options, networking, and business opportunities. Ingrid is a compelling speaker who has been featured as a speaker at the Chicago Black Women's Expo, Embracing Your Future, Inc., American Business Women's Association, and Xerox National Black Employees Association Conference. Ingrid is the recipient of many accolades and awards for her personal and professional accomplishments, including the prestigious AAF ICON Award from General Electric.

Tracy Malone
Rev. Malone was ordained by the United Methodist Church in 1995. She has held a number of pastoral positions and currently serves as senior pastor at Gary United Church in Wheaton, Illinois. Rev. Malone is an accomplished orator who has presented at many conferences and events. She has substantial leadership experience and has served on numerous boards including the Board of Directors for the United Methodist Church, Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, and Board of Directors for Shalom Education, to name a few. In addition, Rev. Malone has served as President of the Chicago Black Methodists for Church Renewal, Elected Delegate for the North Central Jurisdictional Conference, and Trustee of Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. She is an active volunteer who has worked with the Wheaton Ecumenical Clergy Association, Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, DuPage County M.L. King Planning Committee and ESSE, Older Adult Care. Rev. Malone is the recipient of many awards which include the Distinguished Alumna Award for Outstanding Religious Major and Outstanding Service from North Central College, and the George M. Pullman and United Methodist Bicentennial Scholar award.

Kathryn J. McDonagh
Kathryn has over 35 years of experience in health care leadership, including positions as Chief Nursing Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer for several health service organizations across the country. Kathryn is currently the Vice President for Executive Relations at Hospira, Inc. She has published extensively and is a sought-after conference speaker, with expertise in governing board effectiveness and healthcare leadership. In 2000, she received the Telly Award, a National Cable Television Award, for her role as host and creator of the program Focus on Health. Through her involvement in professional and community organizations, Kathy has also received the Fellowship in the American Academy of Nursing and the YWCA Academy of Women of Achievement Award.

Michelle McGovern
Michelle is a Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Mesirow Financial. With over 18 years experience working in human capital, Michelle possesses a wealth of knowledge in the area of performance management, appraisal and human resources strategic planning. Her vocational experience encompasses acquisitions, employee engagement strategies and developing innovative employee benefit and coaching strategies. Michelle's goal is to develop those around her in order to help them realize their full potential.

Patricia Mitchell
Patricia has over three decades of experience working with major corporations, school districts and religious organizations. She has extensive experience in all levels of public education, ranging from preschool through doctoral level teaching. She is an accomplished writer and has published in the areas of organizational management and leadership, curriculum development, reading and language arts. Her most acclaimed book, Cracking the Wall: Women in Higher Education Administration, has become a best seller for the publisher. Other writings include A New Era: The Female Leader and Ten Stupid Things Women Do to Mess Up Their Careers. Patricia is a sought-after conference speaker who has been featured in the Bay Area Women in Business magazine. The Governing Board of Editors of the American Biographical Institute nominated her for the prestigious Woman of the Year in 2009.

Tanesha D. H. Pittman
Tanesha is an educator, innovator, international inspirational speaker, spiritual life coach and budding author. She has over 15 years experience in the academic, government and corporate sectors. Tanesha currently serves as an Executive Director for Benedictine University's Moser College of Adult and Professional Studies, where she has pioneered several distinctive programs, including the unprecedented Master of Science in Leadership degree program for women. Tanesha is an accomplished orator who has spoken for a plethora of organizations, including the Oxford Roundtable at the University of Oxford, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Spirit Magazine, National Diversity Council, and Solid Rock Women's Conference in Kenya, just to name a few. Tanesha serves on several boards, including the University of Illinois Extension State Advisory Council (chairperson). Tanesha embarked upon an independent mission project to serve and minister to the people of Kenya in Njoro, Nakuru, Limuru, Narok and Rrotian. She was one of 15 elite female leaders from across the United States, chosen to participate in Leadership America's international leadership program in the UAE - Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. She is the recipient of many accolades, including the Windy City Woman of Color Advocate Diamond Award in 2010.

Cheryl Richardson
Cheryl is a business professional with over 25 years experience in human resources and organization development. She has worked extensively in the United States and Asia for Fortune 500 companies such as Johnson & Johnson and McDonald's corporation. Cheryl is the owner of a consulting business, CBR Consulting, specializing in HR, diversity, strategic planning and organizational development services. Cheryl 's altruistic character and business acumen led her to serve as board member for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boys & Girls Club and the Community Career Center in Naperville. She is a proponent for education and serves as an adjunct professor and graduate level student advisor. Cheryl is an active member of the Women's Advisory Council at Benedictine University and was instrumental in helping develop the Master of Science in Leadership degree program.

Anne M. Schwab
Anne is a publisher, inspirational speaker, author, and financial planner. Following a 15-year career in hospital administration, she acquired a Certified Financial Planner ® designation and launched into a solo practice as a financial planner. Anne has over 30 years experience as an entrepreneur and is currently the sole owner and publisher of Authentic Woman, formerly DuPage Woman Magazine. The paper, which began in 2003, has grown rapidly, has a readership of approximately 175,000, and found in over 2000 businesses throughout DuPage County. Anne has devoted her time to nonprofit organizations and has served on the Board of Directors for the Lupus Foundation of Illinois. She has also served as the Chapter Representative to the national Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. Anne has used her newspaper as a platform to sponsor many events and nonprofit organizations such as Family Shelter Services, Woodridge Community Pantry, and Naperville Chamber's Women in Business.

M. Patricia Shehorn
Patricia is Chief Executive Officer and President of Resurrection Healthcare and Westlake Hospital. She has extensive experience in health care administration and has served as Secretary for the Boards of Director of Presbyterian University Health System, Inc. Patricia is a proponent of community service and currently serves on the board of West Cook YMCA. She has also served on the board of directors for the West Cook Regional American Cancer Society, South Suburban Family Shelter, Family Health Society and Family House. Patricia has been active on many advisory councils and volunteers for organizations to make a difference in the lives of those who are underserved. She has received several honors and recognition for her altruism and contributions to health care, including Woman of Achievement, Volunteer of the Year, Woman of the Year in Healthcare, and the University of Pittsburgh Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Find out more about the experienced instructors and the advisory board in Benedictine's online MS in Leadership program. Call us at (866) 295-3104 to speak to one of our Admissions Advisors right away, or request more information online.