Saint Mary's Center for Women's Intercultural Leadership (CWIL) introduced its first journal published online March 7 to broaden the scope of its discussion between scholars, researchers and community activists.
Catherine Pittman, associate professor of psychology, said the College established CWIL 11 years ago. Pittman is co-editor of the journal, along with French Professor Julie A. Storme.
Pittman said the journal is "really an opportunity for Saint Mary's College to be on the cutting edge of providing information about how to be leaders in this diverse world."
The organization is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Sisters of the Holy Cross.
The leaders of CWIL decided to launch the scholarly journal, the Journal for Women's Intercultural Leadership (JWIL), online after they hosted a conference on women's intercultural leadership.
At the conference, the women said they realized no one published research about women's intercultural leadership.
"It seemed natural to think of an online journal sponsored by CWIL that would allow researchers and practitioners to publish their work," Storme said.
JWIL is not all about women, however, Pittman said. The journal focuses on intercultural leadership, women's issues, and leadership issues. JWIL is the first journal published by the College.
The other members of the JWIL editorial board contribute to the journal from universities across the globe.
Pittman said printing JWIL in paper form was a possibility, but the group believed online media would be more forward and visible to the public.
While JWIL is primarily for faculty publishers, community activists, scholars and researchers, students are welcome to participate in discussion in the journal.
"It provides a model of serious research to our students, especially those involved in CWIL," Storme said.
Pittman said she hopes people realize the JWIL is a way to make Saint Mary's a more avid promoter for CWIL and leaders across the world.
