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.
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.
What We Do
Initiatives supported by the Eckert Center include:
- Advising for Student Organizations and Clubs, including Resource Room access, event support, trainings, package ordering and pickup, and locker space.
- Engaging programming for all students, including discounted tickets to off-campus events and venues through our Student Box Office.
- Spaces and resources for Spiritual Life and LGBTQIA2S+ students.
- The Applied Leadership Certificate, helping students develop leadership skills and meaningful campus involvement.
- First Bite Orientation and first year opportunities for engagement.
- Advising the Student Government Association and support in planning Simmons Traditional Events
Get Connected on Campus Connect
Campus Connect is our engagement platform and events calendar. Here, you can find more information about clubs and organizations, as well as RSVP for events, workshops, trainings, festivals, games and more! Traditional events hosted by the JECLE include Shark Week, Fall Fest, Halfway There BBQ, Bartol Takeovers, Finals Therapy Dogs, and Decompression Sessions!
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
Community Immersion and Everyday Leadership
Africana studies and international relations major Alexandra “Ale” Huamán ’26 reflects on four years at Simmons: getting involved in the Boston community, being a Barbara Lee Fellow, and studying abroad to name a few of the activities she packed in.
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
Barbara Lee Fellows Celebrate at State House
The 2025–26 Barbara Lee Fellows, as well as numerous Massachusetts legislators, attended an end-of-year celebration at the State House. Simmons President Lynn Perry Wooten, Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Strategy, and Engagement Dr. Rachel Deleveaux, and the Fellows shared reflections and expressions of gratitude.
Bridging Public Art and Public Service
Art history major Cathie Behrend ’70 recently received a Legacy Award from the 92nd Street Y in New York City. We spoke with her about receiving this honor, her love of art and public service, and her Simmons experience.
SLIS Alumnae/i Named Movers & Shakers
Jessica Chapel ’19MS and Katelyn Duncan ’16MS were selected for the 2026 Movers & Shakers by Library Journal.
President Wooten Named Among Most Influential Bostonians
Boston Magazine has published its 2026 list of 150 Most Influential Bostonians. President Lynn Perry Wooten was among the recognized individuals.
Finding Inspiration in a Women-Centered Environment
Victoria Savoie ’26, a political science and communications major, reflects on her participation in the 2025 spring NYC Agency trip through the Department of Communications, the articles she wrote for the student-run news organization, The Simmons Voice, and her selection for the Barbara Lee Fellowship program.
Specializing in Visual Literacy and Women’s Military History
Aurora Daniel ’26MSMA had the honor of serving as the president of the Library and Information Science Student Association, the student government for Simmons’ School of Library and Information Science while pursuing her Masters in Library and Information Science and Master of Arts in History.
Digitizing Local Archives and Reminiscing with Alumnae/i
Jenn Leishman ’26 reflects on choosing their major, an internship in the West End Museum in Boston, favorite courses, and how Simmons helped prepare them for a career as a library professional.
Connection Drives Performance at Simmons Leadership Event
The 47th Annual Simmons Leadership Conference featured a roster of speakers exploring the theme of “The Connected Leader,” emphasizing the role of connectivity, community, and allyship in leadership.
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.