For Caroline Hummell, the relationships that grow out of the Deborah Rosati Women in Leadership Mentorship program are what matter most.

The program is designed for women with a connection to Brock, the Niagara region or both. Applications for the 2026 cohort, which runs January to May next year, will be accepted until Monday, Dec. 15.

“This program is focused on leadership development and the building of networks, but it can also lead to friendship,” says Hummell, who has served as Program Co-ordinator for the past three years.

Carling Wright, a Niagara community member who works in the hospitality field, was a member of the 2025 cohort. She says she applied to be a mentee before Hummell encouraged her volunteer as a mentor instead, and she is glad she “took the leap.”

“I initially felt a lot of pressure to do a good job as a mentor, but I quickly realized that this program exists to learn from each other,” says Wright. “My mentee and I have supported each other through professional challenges, mental health concerns, grief and more. We continue to meet beyond the program and look forward to celebrating each others’ successes.”

Wright is one of more than 100 women who have been matched in mentoring partnerships since the program’s launch in 2023, following a generous gift from Deborah L. Rosati (BAdmin ’84) in 2022.

“The program is not just named after Deborah — she has always been an active presence, delivering words of inspiration and wisdom to the group and networking with participants,” says Hummell. “She’s incredibly supportive of women’s leadership development through mentorship.”

A vibrant community has grown around the program, with several past participants eager to take part again for another session of activities, speakers and partnerships.

In addition to Rosati, who will speak at the kickoff meeting in January, additional guest speakers for this year’s cohort include accomplished Brock alumni:

• Rachel Crane (BBA ’11), Executive Director of Literacy Link in Niagara
• The Honourable Jenna Suds, PC (BA ’01), Member of Parliament for Kanata
• Jennifer Gauthier (BA ’09), Executive Director of Birchway Niagara

This year’s cohort will also be the subject of new research around the optimal development of women’s leadership, skills and capabilities.

“We see this programme as a great model, being based within a university setting but also community engaged,” says Hummell, who is also a PhD candidate in Brock’s Faculty of Applied Health Sciences. “We’re going to be evaluating it through more of a research lens this year with the support of a research assistant from a graduate program at Brock, whom we hope to hire in the coming weeks.”

Dean of Social Sciences Ingrid Makus says the upcoming cohort offers wonderful opportunities for those looking to participate in a meaningful experience.

“Each year, I’m thrilled to see how the Women in Leadership initiative expands, and the mentorship program is such an important part of how we aim to support and nurture leaders and future leaders across the region,” she says.

Rosati says she is also heartened by seeing how the program has grown over the years.

“My goal for the Deborah Rosati Women in Leadership Mentorship program is to inspire, elevate, support, encourage and motivate women in leadership,” says Rosati. “I am delighted to see that the past three cohorts have fostered connections, community and collaboration.”