Women's Leadership Initiative | John Cabot University

Our Founder: Alexandria Maloney

Alexandria J. Maloney is a distinguished international affairs professional and social impact leader, renowned for her dedication to inclusive governance and empowering underrepresented communities. She earned her B.A. in International Affairs from John Cabot University in Rome, Italy, where she founded the Women's Leadership Initiative to champion gender equity and amplify women's voices on campus.

Furthering her education, Alexandria obtained an M.A. in International Studies from Morgan State University and an MPA from Cornell University's Brooks School of Public Policy. Her career encompasses significant roles, including serving as Director of External Affairs at the Kettering Foundation and as President of Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA). In her tenure at BPIA, she established the Colin Powell Leadership Institute and the Madam Ambassador Program, initiatives aimed at preparing mid-career professionals for senior leadership roles.

Alexandria's contributions have been recognized globally; by the age of 31, she was named one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent” and honored as a Forbes 50 Champion for her efforts in building ecosystems that educate, prepare, and empower over 60,000 underrepresented professionals. She also serves as a senior non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council's Africa Center and is a visiting lecturer at Cornell University.

Her extensive experience includes positions at the U.S. Department of Defense and the White House Initiative for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Alexandria's work spans foreign affairs, defense, diplomacy, diversity and inclusion, arts and culture, youth, women's rights, and public engagement, reflecting her unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive and harmonious world.

Advocacy

The club strives to increase awareness of gender inequities, advocate for underprivileged women and other marginalized genders, and enable everyone to develop a better understanding of how to support women.

Community

We build inclusive spaces that celebrate the voices, stories, and achievements of women from all walks of life. By fostering dialogue, promoting representation, and amplifying underrepresented perspectives, we aim to create a supportive community where every woman feels seen, heard, and valued.

Professional Development

The professional development program for women at JCU offers a dynamic platform designed to elevate leadership potential through targeted workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and tailored career development opportunities. This initiative empowers women by providing the tools, support, and networks necessary to thrive in leadership roles, fostering a more inclusive and equitable professional environment across fields after graduation.

Innovation

WLI is deeply committed to innovation, driving meaningful change through creativity and transformative leadership programs. By fostering a culture of forward-thinking and adaptability, the initiative empowers women to lead with vision and confidence in an evolving professional landscape. Through cutting-edge programming and dynamic learning experiences, it cultivates leaders who not only respond to change but actively shape it.