WILD Women Writers

WILD Women Write: Meet the bloggers

Jennifer Valentin is a junior at Georgian Court University where she is studying Communications with a concentration in Journalism and a minor in Spanish. She is a member of the Peer Advisory Board/Mentor and WILD VII, Secretary of the Executive Board with the Student Government Association, and President of Da’ Poetry Corner. She has been involved in a number of conferences and organizations that empower women to be who they want to be and to also stay motivated in becoming politically active.”I love giving my time to service,” says Jennifer, who enjoys encouraging others to explore their leadership potential and learn more about living a healthy active lifestyle.

 

 

Shinade Ramirez is a junior at Georgian Court University where she is a member of the Peer Advisory Board/Mentor and WILD VII, Vice President of the Executive Board with the Student Government Association, a Resident Assistant, an Orientation Leader and a member of the Mercy Collegiate Society. She is majoring in Communications with a minor in Spanish. Miss. Ramirez believes that education is the key to success and that women should grasp every opportunity that comes along. Shinade is interested in culture, politics and women’s issues. “The more a well-driven woman is told she cannot do something, the more she is motivated. She is going to do it ten times better.” says Ramirez.

Karissa Merkel is a senior at Georgian Court University where she is majoring in English with a minor in Psychology. She assists in coordinating the WILD Program as well as serving as a member of the Peer Advisory Board/ Mentor and WILD VII. She is the Vice President of the Class of 2012 with the Student Government Association, a member of the Mercy Collegiate Society, an Orientation Leader, and Captain of the Lion’s Cheerleading Team. Karissa believes that the key to a successful education goes beyond the classroom.  She has a passion for inspiring women to become leaders of the future. “Women with the courage and strength to embrace their opportunities are the women who will change the world forever,” says Karissa.

GCU’s WILD Leadership

Karen Goff is the Assistant Dean of Student Development at Georgian Court University.  In her post as assistant dean, she leads the development, delivery and continuous improvement of programs and services which enrich student life, and supervises the university’s Health Services, Counseling, Residence Life, Student Activities departments, as well as the Student Judicial System.  Additionally, she oversees the signature Women In Leadership Development Program (WILD), and is vigilant about using every opportunity possible to create both compassionate and competent leaders.

She is passionate about motivating young adults toward achieving their personal and professional goals.  Before she joined the Georgian Court administration, Goff founded InsideOut International in 2003, with a vision to train emerging women leaders around the world by availing them with the required resources and support to enhance their effectiveness.

Karen has spearheaded, organized, and participated in short-term mission trips to countries such as her native Jamaica, West Indies, Guatemala, Mexico, and Russia.  As a result of her humanitarian efforts, she has met with key political leaders in these countries, providing leadership training and advocating on behalf of women and youth.