The City University of New York brought together students, faculty, and professionals from across its 26 campuses this March for its annual Women’s Conference Week, an initiative designed to elevate, connect, and empower women throughout the University system. CSI was represented at the event by Student Government President Ashley Villalva.

The conference series provided a dynamic platform for leadership development, mentorship, and professional growth. Spearheaded by the CUNY Office of the Chancellor, the initiative focused on equipping women with the tools, insights, and networks needed to navigate and succeed in their careers while fostering a stronger, more inclusive University community. Villalva presented as part of the “Leading While Learning: Student Stories of Voice, Vision and Valor” segment held at The Graduate Center on March 18.

“Speaking on the panel, I reflected on navigating politics as a woman in a space still largely dominated by men. I shared how that reality has shaped both my resilience and my voice,” she reflected. “I also spoke about how CUNY, the College of Staten Island, and Macaulay Honors College have been instrumental in my growth—giving me the platform, mentorship, and community to lead with purpose.”

This year’s programming blended keynote discussions, panel conversations, and interactive breakout sessions covering topics ranging from leadership and advocacy to financial empowerment and the future of work. Events such as “Women Executives Shaping the Future of Work and Wealth” and “Women in Academia in the Age of AI” highlighted the evolving roles women play across industries, while also addressing challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing professional landscape.

The conference also emphasized mentorship and storytelling as powerful tools for growth. Women leaders from across CUNY shared their personal and professional journeys, offering insight and inspiration to students and early-career professionals alike.

The student showcase underscored one of the conference’s central themes: empowering the next generation of women leaders by providing them with a platform to share their stories, perspectives, and ambitions, themes not lost on Villalva, who made that a central part of her talk. “Drawing from my experience as a student leader, I emphasized the importance of showing up, even when the table wasn’t built with you in mind, and using every opportunity to create space for others,” she said.

 Through sessions focused on voice, vision, and leadership, students demonstrated how their experiences within CUNY are shaping their academic and professional journeys.

In addition to its programming, the initiative also reinforced CUNY’s commitment to supporting women through tangible opportunities, including scholarships and staff recognition awards aimed at fostering leadership development and advancing career pathways.

As Women’s Conference Week continues to grow, it serves as a powerful reminder of CUNY’s role in cultivating leadership, amplifying diverse voices, and building a future where women across all disciplines can thrive, on campus and beyond.