Advancing Gender Equity in Higher Education: A Conversation with Sharon Louden

Through dialogue and reflection, participants will consider questions such as: What factors contribute to the success and advancement of women and gender diverse individuals in higher education? What barriers continue to impede progress? How can colleagues, supervisors, and mentors effectively support women and gender diverse individuals throughout their careers? How do perceptions of confidence, competence, leadership, and belonging shape professional experiences and opportunities? All CU Denver faculty and staff are welcome to participate in this engaging and thought-provoking conversation.

About the Speaker:
Sharon Louden is an artist, educator, author, advocate, and nationally recognized leader whose work bridges the arts, higher education, nonprofit organizations, and business communities. Throughout her career, she has built meaningful connections across sectors, bringing together diverse stakeholders to foster dialogue, collaboration, and sustainable change. As the founder and director of the Institute for Sustained Creativity, Louden champions the professional growth and long-term success of creative individuals and communities. Her leadership emphasizes relationship-building, mentorship, and collective action. While her work spans many roles and disciplines, it is grounded in her ongoing practice as a working artist, which informs her commitment to creativity, equity, and community engagement. Louden received her Master of Fine Arts from the Yale University School of Art and her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.