Professional Excellence Program enjoys successful launch

Article by Aliya Yanga, Catt Center public relations/events planning intern

What does it look like when a university invests in its faculty and staff? At Iowa State University, the answer is clear: the Professional Excellence Program.

Developed by Carrie Ann Johnson, associate director of outreach and communication at the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics, and launched in fall 2025, the Professional Excellence Program supports faculty and staff by offering opportunities for growth and connection.

Through a series of workshops and networking sessions held throughout the academic year, participants build skills in communication, career development and collaboration across campus roles. The program also provides practical tools individuals can adapt to their specific positions. By investing in this type of professional development, Iowa State aims to strengthen its workforce, encourage long-term retention, and create a more connected and innovative campus community.

A key aspect of the program is its ability to bring together staff members from a wide range of departments, encouraging collaboration among individuals who would not typically interact.

In its first year, the program received 147 applications from across the university, with 28 individuals selected to participate. The 2025-26 cohort included participants at various stages of their careers and represented 26 departments across the university.

The program featured six interactive workshops from October through March and a final networking session in April. Each 90-minute workshop focused on topics such as cultivating a strong professional identity, mastering strategic communication and influence, building financial confidence, enhancing workplace innovation and effectiveness, and embracing mentorship and visionary thinking. The program concluded with a celebration of personal growth and community connection.

The final session in April featured keynote speaker Zoya Arora, an Iowa State alumna and leadership development practitioner who helps leaders think clearly and act confidently during times of change. Arora focused on developing a professional impact statement and guided the cohort in recentering its purpose within participants’ professional careers.

The session prompted reflection among participants about their experiences in the program. Several cohort members shared insights, including Jenni Diaz Garcia, library outreach specialist, and Arnold Woods, director of student leadership initiatives.

Garcia described the program as a valuable opportunity to refocus, helping her reenergize her perspective and more clearly define her current role and future goals.

“I think being in a room with other professionals outside my department brings a fresh perspective and reinforces that the challenges I face are not isolated but part of a broader, shared experience,” Garcia said. “Conversations outside a single department also allow for more personal and reflective goal-setting than is typically possible in departmental professional development activities.”

Woods shared a similar perspective on the program and its ability to reframe not only what he can contribute to the university, but also what he hopes to gain from it.

“Professional development like this helps me focus on what I want to convey about my work,” Woods said. “This program allowed me to think more intentionally about my career and how to articulate the ways my work benefits not only students, but the university as a whole. It helps me map out my strengths and better understand where I make an impact within the organization.”

As the first Professional Excellence Program cohort wraps up, Johnson said she is excited to see how the program evolves and grows into a lasting addition to the university’s professional development landscape. Applications for next year’s cohort will open soon, and individuals are encouraged to watch for announcements from the Catt Center and share the opportunity with others who may be a strong fit for the program.

“It’s an obvious need at Iowa State, given the number of applications from the first cohort, and I look forward to working alongside professionals as we continue to move the program forward,” Johnson said.