St. Mary’s University is gearing up for the President’s Gala on March 6th, just ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8th, with a focus on this year’s theme: Women in Leadership. As we celebrate the achievements and impact of women in our university community, we are proud to highlight those who have been at the forefront of progress. One such leader is Dr. Jocelyn Williams, the Dean of Arts and Sciences and an Associate Professor of English at St. Mary’s. A brilliant woman who has dedicated her career to empowering others, Dr. Williams is a powerful example of mentorship and the transformative role women play in shaping the future.
Dr. Jocelyn Williams has long been a guiding force in academia, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and empowerment. Through her dedication, she exemplifies the strength and impact of women in influential roles.
Dr. Williams believes that one of the essential qualities for great leadership is the ability to build confidence in others. “I like to leave people feeling more optimistic than when we first met,” she shares. “I’ve been told that I’m a calming presence, and I think that steadiness in leadership helps create a sense of security and trust among a team.” Her approach ensures that those around her never feel harried or uncertain but instead supported and motivated to succeed.
Her journey to becoming Dean has been shaped by both the challenges and opportunities women face in leadership roles. Dr. Williams speaks candidly about the pressure to balance work and life—trading personal time for professional advancement. Yet, she finds great fulfillment in the role she holds, particularly as a role model to her daughters. “It’s empowering to show them that it’s possible to balance these demands, to be a leader, and to mentor others along the way.”
For young women aspiring to leadership positions, Dr. Williams offers a valuable piece of advice:
“Be kind to yourself. Don’t fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. Your path is uniquely yours, and you should take pride in owning it.”
This message of self-confidence is vital for women navigating the complex dynamics of academia and leadership.
At St. Mary’s, Dr. Williams works tirelessly to create an environment that empowers women. Through regular communication and collaboration, she fosters a supportive and optimistic atmosphere. “The key is to approach challenges with confidence and persistence,” she notes, emphasizing that women, especially, need to support one another in their leadership journeys.
As St. Mary’s prepares to celebrate women in leadership at this year’s Gala, Dr. Williams underscores the importance of recognizing women in positions of power. “With our first female President guiding us, there’s never been a better time to showcase women in academic leadership,” she says, proudly acknowledging the institution’s forward momentum.
Looking to the future, Dr. Williams believes mentorship is critical in fostering the next generation of female leaders. “We must support and guide those coming up behind us—sharing resources and experiences so they can unabashedly pursue their ambitions.”
As International Women’s Day approaches, Dr. Williams’ message is clear: celebrate and support the women leading today, while also championing the aspirations of the women who will lead tomorrow. By nurturing the next generation, we ensure that women continue to break barriers and shape the future of leadership in academia and beyond.
Join us at the President’s Gala in Calgary on March 6th to honor Dr. Williams and all the other wonderful leaders who inspire us to dream, lead, and thrive. Purchase your tickets to the gala today by visiting the following link: https://stmu.ca/the-2025-st-marys-university-presidents-gala-tickets-on-sale-now/