About Frances Hesselbein
Frances Hesselbein was a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, former CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA, one of the most respected experts in contemporary leadership development, and her career in public service spanned over 70 years. She became the first woman, and the first non-graduate, appointed to the Class of 1951 Chair for the Study of Leadership at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she taught for two years.
Ms. Hesselbein was also the editor-in-chief of the award-winning quarterly journal Leader to Leader and an award-winning author. She was the co-editor of 35 books in 21 languages and the author of Hesselbein on Leadership, My Life in Leadership, and More Hesselbein on Leadership.
Although Ms. Hesselbein passed away in 2022 at the age of 107, her legacy lives on through the University of Pittsburgh’s Frances Hesselbein Leadership Forum “where leaders and aspiring leaders from around the world can gather to advance the art and science of leadership and put these principles to practice in public service.”
Ms. Hesselbein leadership motto was “To Serve is To Live.”
University of Pittsburgh’s Frances Hesselbein Leadership Forum
- Eliana and Taylor overlooking the Hudson River.
- Lani and Elizabeth appreciating the view of the Hudson River from the top of Thayer Hall.
- Andrew and Kallie sit in on a West Point class on leadership.
- Sergio, Taylor, Eliana and McKenzie practice communication skills during a fun evening of “blind bowling.”
- McKenzie after an invigorating pre-dawn PT session with cadets and LTG Gilland, USMA Superintendent.
- Students tour the football stadium and get a chance to touch a piece of history – the Berlin Wall.
- The 2024 FHSLP cohort, reflecting on their character strength results in a session with Dr. Matthews.
- Congratulations to Isabella, recipient of the 2024 Suzy Carlton Student Leadership and Civic Responsibility Award.
- Students pose with COL Spain and Dr. Matthews as the cohort wraps up leadership sessions at the United States Military Academy.
- Grateful for COL Matthews words of advice and wisdom, reflecting on lessons learned from leadership program and considerations for the next steps.
- The MCEC Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program class of 2024 at the United States Military Academy at West Point. From left to right: Kim Shoffner (MCEC), Eliana, Kyra Bush (MCEC), Taylor, Sergio, Lani, Amelia, Maddie, Isabella, McKenzie, Kallie, Andrew, Elizabeth, Missy Holstead (MCEC).
- Lani and Eliza ready to tackle the rock-climbing wall. This activity enhances team building, helps overcome apprehensions on the power of “yet,” builds trust in your teammates and solidifies strong communication skills.
- Sergio and Taylor watching the cadet formation before lunch.
- Oh, the joy of experiencing the fall season at scenic West Point!
- Students pause to reflect on the legacy of Frances Hesselbein (November 1, 1915 – December 11, 2022)
- Lani and Sergio at the Center for Enhanced Performance, performing an interactive exercise designed to instill confidence, practice working together as team, and improve focus and skillsets.
- After the group was given a tour of the physical education department, Lani presented our guide with a coin.
- Andrew, Taylor, Sergio, Isabella, Amelia and Eliana at Washington Hall, in front of the 70ft. x 35ft. panorama of military history, painted by T.L. Johnson.
- Kallie with cadets in MAJ Jones classroom, participating in a round-robin style session where students could ask each other questions pertaining to adolescence.
- COL (Retired) Donna Brazil led a session for the students on leadership challenges and the importance of resiliency.