Jennifer Eckert Center for Leadership & Engagement
The Jennifer Eckert Center for Leadership & Engagement has a mission to to enhance leadership development opportunities for a diverse and engaged student body by empowering students to practice Everyday Leadership, social responsibility, and mutual respect.
Our vision is to strengthen competency, foster equity, and work to close the opportunity gap for students through collaborative programming, leadership development, and enrichment opportunities.
This center and its programming are made possible by the philanthropy of Simmons alumna and trustee Jennifer Eckert ’08 MSW. At its core, the center will enable Simmons to more explicitly and intentionally embed leadership within a student’s experience from the moment they’re accepted, furthering the university’s work as one of Boston’s premier leadership institutions.
Initiatives supported by the Eckert Center include a fellowship program that enables graduate students to lead projects on diversity, equity, and inclusion while receiving professional leadership coaching; the Simmons Bridge Program, which enhances incoming first-year BIPOC students’ opportunities to connect and thrive in the Simmons community; and opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in community service, citizenship, and leadership development throughout their time at Simmons.
Center Staff
Staff
Elysia Johnson
Assistant Director, Jennifer Eckert Center for Leadership and Engagement
Christy Lusiak
Director, Jennifer Eckert Center for Leadership & Engagement
The Jennifer Eckert Center for Leadership & Engagement in the News
Practicing Social Justice via Arts, Archives, and Community
Aislinn Doherty ’25 reflects on expanding her leadership skills as a Bonner Leader, and making it her mission to get involved with as many organizations and opportunities as possible while at Simmons.
Women in Leadership and Social Justice
Local leaders recently gathered at Simmons University to discuss what it means to lead in today’s world. The event was part of the Unpacking Series and was hosted by the Simmons Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in collaboration with the Institute for Inclusive Leadership, the School of Management, the School of Social Work, and the Stephen D. London Center for Community Engagement and Social Justice.
Welcome to the Simmons LGBTQIA+ Lounge
In honor of LGBTQIA+ History Month, we welcome the LGBTQIA+ community at Simmons to gather in their new lounge, located in the Jennifer Eckert Center for Leadership & Engagement.
Getting Ready for Orientation 2024
Orientation Leaders Katelyn Fox ’25 and Maggie Wettergren ’26 share the inside scoop on First Bite Orientation, June 13 and 14.
Karla Alba ’23, Inaugural Jennifer Eckert Leadership Fellow for DEI, Knows the Importance of Difficult Conversations
Jennifer Eckert '08MSW, a member of the Simmons University Board of Trustees, provided a generous donation to support the mission of Simmons University to become a beacon of leadership in the world of higher education. A portion of these funds...
Significant Gift Invests in Simmons University’s Vision For Educating Inclusive “Everyday Leaders”
Simmons University today announced a new $5 million gift from Simmons alumna and Trustee Jennifer Eckert to expand the scope and impact of its innovative approach to leadership education throughout the institution. The gift will create the new Jennifer Eckert...
Leadership in the News
SLIS Graduate Named Director of Nantucket Atheneum
The Nantucket Atheneum is not only the island’s public library, but also the home of historic research and art collections. For Leslie Malcolm ’05MS, the Atheneum’s newest executive director and head librarian, her journey there began with service.
Alumna Brings Behavior Analysis Insights to Education
Megan Breault ’13MS ’25PhD is a graduate of the Simmons University Master of Science in Behavior Analysis and Phd in Behavior Analysis. Breault presented her dissertation research at the Contemporary Developments in Behavior Analysis Virtual Conference, hosted by Simmons’ Department of Behavior Analysis in January 2026.
Meet Our 2025–26 Bonner Community Leaders
The Bonner Community Leaders Program is a unique opportunity for students who want to combine a strong commitment to service with personal growth, teamwork, leadership development, and scholarship. This academic year, Simmons announced a new cohort of Bonner Leaders including Ammy A. Cardenes Santana ’29, Gulsah Cayan ’29, Lily-Rose O’Brien ’29, and Mackenzie Oprea ’29.
SLIS Alumna Named Library Director of the Year
Brittany Durgin ’17MS, director of the Moultonborough Public Library, has received the Library Director of the Year Award from the New Hampshire Library Trustees Association.
Neuroscience Student Finds Purpose in Lab Research
Undergraduate neuroscience major and physics minor Sonia Vader ’26 shares her experience in the Focused Ultrasound Lab at Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Radiology Department.
Celebrating the 2025-26 Passionate Leaders Scholars
Six undergraduate scholars from different disciplines have been selected for a $3,000 grant that supports student-driven initiatives focused on advancing scientific research and improving communities, and represents unique voices through the arts and humanities.
Athlete Discovers Value of Nutrition
Accelerated student Arianna Joyce ’26, ’27MS is a competitive figure skater who is passionate about nutrition. We spoke with her about the encouraging community at Simmons and the value of an accelerated education.
First-Gen Commuter Student Navigates Higher Education
Valeria Cardoza ’27 shares her unique experience as a first-generation student at Simmons, and a participant in the Bonner Leaders Program.
The Jennifer Eckert Center for Leadership and Engagement
The Jennifer Eckert Center for Leadership and Engagement has a mission to to enhance leadership development opportunities for a diverse and engaged student body by empowering students to practice Everyday Leadership, social responsibility, and mutual respect.