- Joan S. Forrest Women in Leadership Forum highlighted student leadership and women’s impact on public policy at the University of Florida.
- Organized by Bob Graham Center Student Fellows, the event showcased evolving opportunities for women leaders.
- Joan S. Forrest emphasized self-awareness, communication and mentorship as keys to leadership success.
In recognition of Women’s History Month, student leaders at the University of Florida hosted the 2026 Joan S. Forrest Women in Leadership Forum, bringing together professionals from government affairs, nonprofit leadership, communications and law to discuss how women shape public policy and community outcomes.
Joan Forrest, a 1977 graduate of UF, is former president and CEO of the Dawson Academy, a postgraduate educational and clinical research facility. She was also founder and president of Prime Performance, a training and consulting company specializing in self-directed work teams and facilitative leadership. She is past recipient of the Outstanding Female Leadership Award at UF and a member of the University’s Hall of Fame.
She says the forum reflects both her own leadership journey and her belief in the power of student-driven experiences.
“The relevance of what you are able to do at UF beyond your classroom, regardless of your career direction, is significant to success,” Forrest said.
Held in Pugh Hall and organized by the Bob Graham Center Student Fellows, the event drew strong attendance, a trend Forrest credited to student leadership.
“The event was one of the most well-attended forums we’ve had and is a tribute to the students who run the program,” she said.
The panel featured Karen Thomas, assistant vice president for community relations at UF; Susan Connelly, director of community relations for Hieronymus Inc.; Samantha Padgett, vice president of government relations and general counsel for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association; and S. Yvette Carter, director of government affairs and community relations at Gainesville Regional Utilities.
That impact of the event was reflected in fellows like Rylan Mitchell, a second-year student from Tampa studying legal history and philosophy. Mitchell served as a student moderator of the event.
“It’s important to hear from people who have done what you are doing and are in roles you’d like to explore,” Mitchell said.
Forrest noted that conversations around women’s leadership have shifted over time.
“Where the dialogue once focused on the challenges women faced in leadership positions, it now focuses more on the opportunities available to them,” she said.
When asked what qualities define an effective leader, Forrest emphasized self-awareness and communication, both central to a liberal arts education.
“Leadership requires tremendous interpersonal skills, which start with excellent self-awareness,” Forrest said. “Understanding your own strengths and weaknesses helps you understand others and what motivates them.”
She added that clear communication, both written and oral, is essential.
“People cannot follow if they do not understand the direction their leader is taking them,” she said.
Forrest encouraged students to take full advantage of opportunities at UF.
“Take advantage of every opportunity to be in leadership during your time at UF,” she said. “And take advantage of mentors, both formally and informally.”
Reflecting on the forum’s purpose, Forrest cited philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, “Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forward.”
“That is what this forum does,” she said.
By connecting students with experienced leaders, the forum continues to shape the next generation of leaders at the University of Florida.