Today we have a person of great substance among us who has dedicated her career to fostering women's leadership, Lisa DeFrank-Cole. Born into a low-income family in southwestern Pennsylvania, Lisa was taught by her mother that education was her ticket out of poverty. This wisdom, combined with Lisa's perseverance, saw her obtain her undergraduate degree after six years - a testament to delayed gratification.

Surprisingly, being an underdog has served Lisa well, enabling her to understand various societal dynamics comfortably. Growing up, Lisa’s keen observation of the distinction between male and female leadership styles due to family hierarchy and societal norms have shaped her ideas and concepts on leadership. She views leadership as a process of influence, emphasizing ethical behavior and equal treatment of all people.

We dissect the prevailing gender bias in leadership positions and the underrepresentation of women. Lisa discusses her book, which brings to light lesser-known women leaders’ stories, and touches on her invaluable work at the Women's Leadership Initiative at West Virginia University. We delve into the need for women to network and support each other, debunk myths about female rivalry, and discuss practical strategies to foster gender equity. Join us as we celebrate small joys, big victories and everything in between on our journey to champion women's voices in leadership. It's a powerful conversation that you won't want to miss.

Guest Bio

Lisa is Director and F. Duke Perry Endowed Professor of Leadership Studies at West Virginia University, widely known for her academic and practical expertise in women’s
leadership. 

A leadership coach and author of the award-winning textbook Women and Leadership, Lisa overcame many stereotypes as a first-generation college graduate from Appalachia to reach where she is today. WV Living magazine named her a “Wonder Woman” in 2019, celebrating her for defying barriers and working towards uplifting West Virginia. 

She has 20+ years of experience working with academic and government institutions in West Virginia, including the Governor’s Office. As a Fulbright Specialist Scholar, she taught women in Bahrain about leadership and empowerment. Lisa has also conducted leadership workshops for women in Saudi Arabia.  
https://lisadefrankcole.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-defrank-cole-7b32286b/

https://www.tiktok.com/@lisadefrankcole

Host - Sherri Hilton's Bio

Sherri Hilton is certain that strong moms create stronger daughters. She believes that sharing the wisdom and strength of women will result in stronger generations to come. She’s a sales dynamo, influential networker, podcaster, author, coach and single mom of two amazing girls. With her podcast, Wisdom of Women and her book, Strong Mom Stronger Daughters, Sherri brings meaningful conversations and knowledge to light that will benefit all women, young and old. Sherri firmly believes in the power of women who challenge the status quo conquering mountains wearing flip-flops or those fabulous high heels!

Find Sherri Here:

www.strongmomstrongerdaughters.com

IG - @strongmomstrongerdaughters

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sherri@strongmomstrongerdaughters.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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