LeaderShape is a national conference designed to improve society by inspiring, developing, and supporting students committed to lead with integrity. 11 students were sponsored to attend one of two sessions either in Boston or Atlanta. Students leave with greater knowledge in how to accomplish their goals, new friends, and a greater understanding in how to lead. With the skills and insight gained at Leadershpe students can take that knowledge and apply that to their organizations, their life, as well as the communities around them.

 Dr. Ann Stuart former Chancellor of Texas Woman's University from 1999-2015. She accomplished many great things during her time with TWU under her leadership enrollment grew by 85%, provided funding for many new buildings on campus such as the T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health-Sciences Dallas or the Ann Stuart Science Complex on the Denton campus. Her motivation to improve and grow TWU as well as her acts of service to the community is what lead  the ODK circle to induct her as an honorary member.

Congratulations to Dr. Ann Stuart ! We thank you for the time and effort you have put into this University and you have left a lasting legacy at this campus and this community.

Candace Henslee, former Student Reagent for Texas Woman's University as well as former member of the Leadership Institute and ODK.

  My graduate school application experience was such a great test in believing in myself and what I bring to the table. I learned it only takes one "yes" and it is helpful to not get brought down by the "no's". I applied to the top 3 schools (UCONN, University of Georgia, and Indiana University). After 2 rejections, I received an invitation to interview at Indiana University. I had to be hired in an internship position in order to be accepted. I had eight 30 minute interviews back to back which was exhausting. Throughout the weekend, I chatted with amazing applicants from all over the country who had been invited to interview at multiple schools.
  It was a very intimidating process, but I kept reminding myself that I was qualified for the position. The internship I received was the interview about which I was uncertain. I could feel the interviewer was bored and just as tired as I was from interviewing person after person. However, it was the position I wanted the most and at the end of the interview, I made a point to share my achievements.
  We had dinner with the interviewers later that night and as much as I wanted to sit next to the friends I had made that weekend, I sat next to the man who interviewed me as I wanted him to remember my face. I asked him more questions about the position and a few weeks later I got a call from him saying he would like to offer me the position at his university.
  It's amazing how things work out when you put in the effort and believe in yourself and your experiences. The Leadership Institute helped me in putting away my introverted tendencies and get outside my comfort zone. Had I not done that, I think I would be in a completely different place. I hope my experiences can help other members of the Leadership Institute know that jobs, internships, and graduate programs don't just fall into your lap (at least in my world) so always put yourself at the table as a worthy candidate and go outside your comfort zone. And remember, it only takes one yes!  

On October 13, 2015, ten lucky students from the Texas Woman’s University ODK circle met the First Lady of Texas at a reception celebration. She honored TWU with her presence as she donated a special gown of hers to the Texas First Ladies Historic Costume Collection.  The scarlet red gown worn by Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott during her husband Gov. Greg Abbott’s Inauguration is the latest addition to the Texas First Ladies Historic Costume Collection at Texas Woman’s University.