Brenau University continued Women’s History Month celebrations with the Women’s Leadership Colloquium on March 21, featuring accomplished speakers from diverse backgrounds at the John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts.
The annual colloquium, now in its 11th year, is hosted by Debra Dobkins, Ph.D., assistant vice president and dean of The Women’s College at Brenau, who also was a featured speaker this year. The event celebrates the GOLD Program’s “O-Year” theme with a focus on ownership of personal and civic responsibility.
This year’s event included a keynote from Nicole Love Hendrickson. In 2020, Hendrickson made history by becoming the first African American chairwoman of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners. Before her historic election, she served as Gwinnett’s first Community Outreach Director, championing multicultural initiatives.
Hendrickson highlighted the importance of increasing women’s representation in decision-making spaces.
“Women belong in every room where decisions are made, especially in politics,” Hendrickson said.
Hendrickson also shared to the audience that leadership often emerges unexpectedly, and true leadership is defined by the courage to act in moments of need.
“Leadership is not about waiting for the perfect moment. It’s about recognizing when we are being called to act,” Hendrickson said.
This year’s Alumnae Association Endowed Speaker was Nairika Cornett, executive director of the Quinlan Visual Arts Center.
Since 2004, Cornett has served on the board of the Atlanta Zarathushti Association. 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.
Cornett emphasized the importance of compassionate leadership, creative thinking, and the courage to challenge norms. “Enjoy the joys of life, but never rely on a man to provide them for you. The truth of feminism doesn’t remain in women’s rights alone, but in recognizing the universality of humanity across all divides,” Cornett said. Cornett also asked the audience to recognize the resilience of women, the value of an all-girls education, and the responsibility of using privilege to uplift others.
Dobkins hosted the event for the final time, as she is retiring in June. In her speech, she shared the transformative power of a women’s college education.
“Women’s colleges have historically educated those who have been systematically disadvantaged and yet women’s college alumni report higher levels of success and happiness than their coed peers,” Dobkins said.
Dobkins praised Brenau for cultivating a sense of community, as well as providing opportunities for leadership, academic success, and personal development. She also reflected on her time at Brenau and the importance of working within your passions.
“If you love what you do, you will work harder to do it well.”
Dobkins was recognized by Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs James Eck, Ph.D., and received the status of Faculty Emerita.
The intermission featured an afternoon tea, allowing all attendees to network and connect. Those in attendance also had the opportunity to network during the closing reception. Attendees were also allowed to ask the speakers questions during a Q&A session.
Guests were also treated to performances by the Brenau Vocal Chamber Ensemble, and theater students Amanda Gonzalez and Dghilove Laurent.
The colloquium is made possible in part by support from Onward Reserve, Grace-Gaskins Women’s Studies Endowment Fund, and the Brenau Alumni Association Lecture Series.
Next year’s event will be hosted by Dean of the College of Business and Communication Shatrela Washington-Hubbard, P.h.D., and will take place on March 20, 2026.
