Delta College ACE Women’s Network

Michigan ACE Network logoDelta's ACE Women's Network works in conjunction with the Michigan ACE Women’s Network and commit to professional development, networking, mentoring, advocacy, and support for women in Michigan’s higher education system. 

The Office of Women in Higher Education (OWHE) of the American Council on Education (ACE), the Michigan ACE Network is committed to identifying and developing the leadership of, advancing and supporting the retention of women in higher education throughout the state. The Michigan ACE Network is open to all public and private, two-year and four-year institutions in the state and requires institutional membership for participation in Network activities.

The Michigan ACE Network was formed in 1978, one year after the national program was inaugurated.  Initially, a planning committee (now the Executive Board) was formed to represent all segments of higher education in the state, and a woman holding a senior-level administrative position was identified to lead the effort. A 16-member Executive Board, chaired by the State Coordinator, currently conducts the Network's activities. 

At an annual conference, women in the state learn new leadership strategies and network with other women in leadership positions. Service as institutional representatives provides an opportunity for women to exercise leadership on their campuses and to identify as well as develop emerging women faculty and staff leaders. Through work on the Executive Board, women in Michigan assist in developing, promoting, supporting and recognizing other women who are making a difference in higher education through official programming and informal communications.

Mission of Delta College ACE Women’s Network

The Delta College MI-ACE Women’s Committee is dedicated to supporting leadership in higher education by encouraging an inclusive campus culture that celebrates growth. Working alongside the Michigan ACE Women’s Network, we focus on uplifting students, staff, and faculty through networking and professional development opportunities.

    • Donna Giuliani, Professor - Sociology
    • Karry Kiste-Toner, Dean of Student Success
    • Elena Lazzari, Associate Professor - Economics
    • Talma Miller, CTE, Special Populations Engagement and Success Coordinator
    • Dr. Elsa Olvera, Director of Educational Opportunity Center
    • Danielle Petersen, Manager of the TLC and Testing Center
    • Sue Roche, Associate Dean - Business and Technology Division

Upcoming events and workshops

Finding Your Voice: Managing Up, Negotiating and Thriving

This year, the professional development series is designed to help women navigate challenging workplace conversations with greater confidence and clarity. Through three interactive workshops and a panel discussion, participants will explore strategies for managing up, advocating for themselves, negotiating effectively, and continuing to grow in their current roles. The series will provide practical tools, shared experiences, and supportive conversations that empower women to communicate their value and advance in their careers.

Session 1
Thursday, September 24, 12–2pm
SVSU Emeriti

Session 2
Thursday, November 12, 12–2pm
Delta College Downtown Saginaw

Session 3
Thursday, January 28, 2027, 12–2pm
SVSU Emeriti

Session 4
Thursday, April 8, 2027, 12–2pm
Delta College Downtown Saginaw

For more information email elsaovera@delta.edu or elenalazzari@delta.edu.

This event is in partnership with Delta College, Saginaw Valley State University and ACE Women's Network of Michigan.