Building Connections, Driving Impact Across Campuses
What does it take to lead effectively in an evolving academic health system? For two members of the Department of Public Health Sciences, the answer came through their participation in the University of Miami’s Essentials of Leadership (EOL) program, an immersive experience focused on building the skills, mindset, and network that support meaningful leadership.
The EOL program, offered through UM Human Resources Talent and Organizational Development, is a four-month leadership development initiative designed for managers at the University, UHealth, and the Miller School of Medicine. The program brings together participants from across the institution, including the Miller School, Coral Gables, and the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science campuses, to strengthen leadership through hands-on learning, structured discussions, assessments, coaching, and sponsor engagement.
This year, more than 170 managers took part in the program, including Ashley Gonzalez, M.S., manager of programs in Public Health Sciences, and Simone Whitehead, CRA, CPRA, assistant director of sponsored programs. They follow in the footsteps of Grace Cespedes, senior manager of sponsored programs, who completed the program in a previous cohort.
Ashley Gonzalez.
Both Gonzalez and Whitehead represented the department with the support of sponsors Carlen Duncombe, M.P.A., director of enrollment services, and Yanira Blanco, director of research support, who facilitated their participation and served as sponsors during the program.
Participants advanced through a series of interactive, in-person modules designed to help them refine core leadership practices, such as navigating organizational priorities, leading through change, building effective teams, and sustaining their impact through coaching and collaboration. Routine check-ins with sponsors helped reinforce learning and supported accountability beyond the classroom setting. Willy Prado, Ph.D., M.S., interim executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, also contributed to the program’s success by moderating a panel discussion as part of its leadership development activities.
Simone Whitehead.
“It was a transformative experience, and it helped us develop leadership skills in ways that benefit not only our direct reports and teams, but the University as a whole,” said Gonzalez. “My favorite part was meeting with senior leadership and asking them questions. I highly recommend the program.”
Whitehead shared a similar perspective: “It was truly worthwhile. I not only gained valuable insights from the content but also learned so much through connecting with fellow participants.”
The completion of this journey marks a proud milestone for our department, as Ashley Gonzalez and Simone Whitehead strengthen their skills, build new connections, and help shape the future of leadership at the University of Miami.
Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published on June 12, 2025.
