The first Femtor Summit, a collaborative effort between LIC and the Pro-Rector’s Office, was a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable women who have enriched UCP’s culture of “Mentoring the Mentors.” This initiative was conceived to provide a platform for the extraordinary women among UCP’s faculty and staff to share their life stories. These stories not only shed light on their individual journeys but also celebrated the influences, relationships, and institutions that have shaped their remarkable paths.

Over the course of 12 sessions, we delved deep into the essence of each participant’s life, striving to uncover the magical words that encapsulated the very core of their existence. Throughout this voyage of self-discovery, five powerful words emerged as the cornerstones of our participants’ lives: resilience, support, connectivity, gratitude, and forgiveness. These words stand as profound pillars that define and mold the narratives of our diverse and inspiring community.

The Femtor Summit taught us that mentoring is a dynamic exchange, not a one-way street. It’s a synergy that uplifts both mentor and mentee, a journey that is as much about self-discovery as it is about guidance. The knowledge and insights we have garnered over these twelve sessions are the seeds from which we will continue to nurture and cultivate the culture of mentorship in our respective spheres of influence. Our aspiration is to extend these meaningful engagements, reaching out to our male colleagues and fostering a culture of mutual growth and mentorship.