Join us for an inspiring panel discussion exploring the powerful connection between women’s leadership and well-being. This conversation will bring together accomplished leaders from education, healthcare, theology and community development to reflect on what it means to lead authentically, sustain purpose and nurture balance in every season of life and leadership.

Panelists will share personal insights on finding strength and clarity in challenging spaces, centering women’s voices, and empowering others through compassion and collaboration. Whether you’re an emerging leader or an experienced professional, this engaging dialogue will offer practical wisdom and encouragement for leading—and living—with purpose and integrity.

This event will be moderated by Dr. Summer McGee, president of Lenoir-Rhyne. Panelists are:

• The Rev. Dr. Mindy Makant, a professor of religious studies and director of the Youth and Family Ministry Program at Lenoir-Rhyne University
• Arin Patterson, a leadership strategist and culture architect with over a decade of experience developing people and teams in mission-driven organizations. She serves as the senior associate director of the Popp Martin Student Union at UNC Charlotte
• Dr. Christina M. Walker, associate professor of leadership, program coordinator for the Master of Arts in Leadership, and chair of Faculty Senate at Lenoir-Rhyne University
• Sheree Watson, a leadership coach with more than 45 years of experience in healthcare administration, including 24 years as CEO of Graystone Eye

Speaker Biographies

Rev. Dr. Mindy Makant

The Rev. Dr. Mindy Makant is professor of religious studies and director of the Youth and Family Ministry program at Lenoir-Rhyne. She previously held the roles of director of the Living Well Center for Vocation and Purpose and dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She is the 2021 Roediger Distinguished Service Professorship recipient, designated annually by the president in recognition of distinguished service to the university, profession and community.

She is the author of two books: "The Practice of Story: Suffering and the Possibilities of Redemption" and "Holy Mischief: In Honor of Women in Ministry." Her research interests include pastoral care, justice, the relationship between church and state and the role of the imagination in the Christian life.

Makant is also an ordained deacon in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and certified spiritual director. She has served on the task force and was a co-author of the ELCA's Social Statement "Faith and Civic Life: Seeking the Wellbeing of All." She chairs the North Carolina Synod’s Task Force responsible for the Synod’s relationship with its companion church in Costa Rica.

In 2019, Makant received the Lenoir-Rhyne Faculty Scholar Award, which is presented to the faculty member who has made the greatest contribution to his/her discipline during the academic year.
 

Arin Patterson

Arin Patterson is a leadership strategist and culture architect with more than a decade of experience developing people and teams in mission-driven organizations. She serves as the senior associate director of the Popp Martin Student Union at UNC Charlotte, leading a team of 120 staff and driving learning and leadership development initiatives that strengthen engagement and performance. A TEDx speaker and host of the "Arin It Out" podcast, Patterson explores how effective, intentional leaders create thriving teams. She is completing her M.A. in Industrial Organizational Psychology at UNC Charlotte.
 

Dr. Christina Walker

Christina M. Walker is an associate professor of leadership and program coordinator for the Master of Arts in Leadership. 

Walker has additional experience in higher education at the University of Redlands and Wheaton College. Prior to working in higher education, she led in the corporate world as a commercial banking officer and branch manager, served as a full-time pastor and started two businesses. She is currently a leadership consultant at Tall Trees Global Consulting.

Walker specializes in working with individuals and teams to grow their leadership skills, manage transition and change, strengthen diversity and inclusion in their organizations, and create healthy rhythms to sustain their leadership. She brings together her passions for leadership, adult learning, and systems thinking to equip diverse leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors to expand their influence in their community and beyond.

In 2020, Walker was selected as a Fetzer Institute/Academy of Management Scholar. In 2021, she and a colleague were awarded a Lilly Grant to study spiritual entrepreneurship. Her recent co-authored journal article, "Black mothers at work: A contemplative and anti-oppressive approach to dismantling workplace oppression," was published in the Journal of Management, Spirituality, and Religion (2022) and received the journal's best paper award.
 

Sheree Watson

Sheree Watson is a physical therapist by clinical background and holds more than 45 years of experience leading healthcare organizations.  

Deeply passionate about servant leadership, she poured her philosophies into hospitals, outpatient therapy clinics and served 24 years as the CEO of a large physician practice. Noted for her visionary approach, strategic thinking and focus on growth, she is adamant that effective leadership is crucial to organizational success. Watson currently serves as an executive leadership coach and trainer with StrongLead, a business and consulting firm that specializes in executive coaching, strategic planning, training, leadership development and organizational health, located in Hickory, N.C. 

Watson earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from UNC-Chapel Hill, and a Master of Science in Health Professions Leadership from Georgia State University. She serves her community and region through numerous board appointments and is often called upon to share her insights through speaking and mentoring engagements. 

Residing in Hickory, N.C., Watson has been married 41 years and has a son, a daughter and three precious grandsons – with a granddaughter on the way! She enjoys spending time with her family, outdoor activities, playing pickleball and following Tar Heel basketball.