A women seen from behind speaking to a crowded Hosch Theatre

Women’s Leadership Colloquium

Mar. 21 , 2025
Watch the Recorded Livestream
Brenau University Women's Leadership Colloquium

About

Date
Friday, March 21, 2025
Time
1:30-4:30 p.m., reception to follow
Location
Hosch Theatre in the John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts
Cost
Free
Livestream
Vimeo (registration required)

Enjoy an afternoon of information and inspiration at the eleventh annual Women’s Leadership Colloquium, hosted by The Women’s College of Brenau University. Join students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Brenau as we celebrate the GOLD Program’s “O-Year” theme with a focus on ownership of personal and civic responsibility. Engage in lively conversation about the unique potential and challenges of women’s leadership as we learn from three accomplished leaders who will share their stories, experiences, and advice.

This event is made possible in part by support from Onward Reserve, Grace-Gaskins Women’s Studies Endowment Fund and the Brenau Alumni Association Lecture Series. For more on how you can support the Women’s Leadership Initiative, contact Matt Thomas, 770-718-5309, mthomas@brenau.edu.

Meet the Speakers

Nicole Love Hendrickson

Keynote Speaker
Nicole Love Hendrickson

Chair of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners

In 2020, Nicole Love Hendrickson made history by becoming the first African American chairwoman of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners. As the Commission Chair, she steers the Board in shaping policies, leading the creation and adoption of the County’s $2.5 billion budget, and ensuring equitable government services and programs for more than 1 million residents. Chairwoman Hendrickson has played a pivotal role in redefining Gwinnett County’s vision, mission, and values, emphasizing accountability, transparency, equity, inclusivity, and innovation.

Since taking office, she has been forward-thinking in addressing housing affordability and transit services in Gwinnett and the metro Atlanta region. She is actively engaged in local, state, and national boards, including the Atlanta Regional Commission, where she serves on the Executive Board. Chairwoman Hendrickson is a recognized and accomplished public servant, named among Engineering Georgia’s 100 Most Influential Women, Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Power 100, and Georgia Trend Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Georgians in 2024. Before her historic
election, she served as Gwinnett’s first Community Outreach Director, championing multicultural initiatives like the Gwinnett 101 Citizens Academy and Gwinnett Youth Commission. A Rhode Island native, Chairwoman Hendrickson holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia. She resides in Lilburn with her husband and son.

Nairika Cornett

Alumnae Association Endowed Speaker
Nairika Cornett

Executive Director of the Quinlan Visual Arts Center

Born into a family of artists in Mumbai, India, Nairika discovered her passion for ballet and theatre at an early age, training for 12 years under the Royal Academy of Dancing, London. She later moved to the United States as an international student at Brenau University, where she expanded her knowledge to modern and contemporary dance, earning degrees in Dance Pedagogy and Arts Management. After a year of backpacking through Europe, she returned to Brenau for her MBA. Nairika has remained deeply engaged in the arts, working at The Arts Council before becoming the Executive Director of the Quinlan Visual Arts Center in 2019. Passionate about arts in education, she is dedicated to fostering creative and critical thinkers while building inclusive communities through cultural identity, diversity, and shared experiences.

Since 2004, Nairika has served on the Board of the Atlanta Zarathushti Association, working to empower her community as engaged and contributing members of their adopted homeland. Her commitment to service extends to volunteer work with organizations such as the Georgia Mountain Food Bank, United Way, Hands Across America, and Habitat for Humanity, reflecting her dedication to fostering community resilience and support. Nairika’s other passions include travel, music, public speaking, and empowering women.

Dr. Debra Dobkins

Assistant Vice President, Dean of the Women’s College, and Professor of English

Assistant Vice President, Dean of the Women’s College, and Professor of English Debra Dobkins, PhD, will complete 27 years of service to Brenau University in May. Highlights of her tenure include leading the Women’s College GOLD Program and serving as Founding Director of the Writing Center, the Brenau at Cambridge University Study Abroad Program, and the Women’s Leadership Certificate Program. She also served as Director of the Honors Program and First-Year Experience. Many of her favorite Brenau moments happened in literature and writing classes through conversation and co-construction of knowledge with students.

Observing traditions cherished by the Women’s College community, Dobkins also created new traditions like the annual Grrrl Power Hour convocation and Women’s Leadership Colloquium. Throughout her time at Brenau, she has advocated for the profound benefits of a women’s college education and striven to help students thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

Dobkins is a recipient of the Vulcan Materials Award for Excellence in Teaching and Campus Leadership, Faculty Member of the Year Award, Panhellenic Faculty Award, LEAP Grant for Teaching Innovation, and 3M Vision Grant for supplemental instruction.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English degree and Master of Arts in Teaching English from Agnes Scott College where she was a Woodruff Scholar and member of Phi Beta Kappa. She earned her PhD in Language and Literacy Education from the University of Georgia, where she received the Faculty Development in Georgia grant and induction into Phi Kappa Phi. She was later honored to be selected as a Governor’s Teaching Fellow at UGA.

Dobkins and her husband, proud parents of one son, live near Lake Lanier with their dog.

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Past Colloquium Speakers

Watch videos of the past colloquium speakers and performers on our Vimeo livestreaming channel

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from these highly accomplished leaders with fascinating stories to share. The conversations will be memorable and the company engaging.

Dr. Debra Dobkins
Assistant Vice President, Dean of The Women’s College, and WLC Host

Questions? Contact Joy Jarrells at jjarrells@brenau.edu.