EDGE for Success kicks off new series with purpose, passion, and collaborative leadership

EDGE mentor and facilitator Brittany Brown, MSN, RN, far left, is joined by mentees Sierra Huff-Brown, Kathleen Haynes and Lisa Dickson.

The Whiddon College of Medicine launched the second cohort of EDGE for Success: Empowering Development, Growth, and Excellence with an inspiring first session led by Brittany Brown, MSN, RN, director of operations for internal medicine and a graduate of EDGE’s inaugural cohort.

Brown, who now serves as both mentor and facilitator, guided participants through Foundations of Leadership and Influence — an interactive session that invited attendees to explore their personal values, define their “why,” and reflect on what it means to lead with authenticity and emotional intelligence.

She was joined by mentees Kathleen Haynes, coordinator of practice operations for pediatrics/neonatology; Lisa Dickson, MBA, financial operations specialist at the Whiddon College of Medicine; and Sierra Huff-Brown, assistant registrar at the Whiddon College of Medicine, who co-presented on key leadership concepts and facilitated small-group discussions that brought the material to life. Together, they modeled what EDGE is all about — shared growth, collaboration, and learning through experience.

“Working with Kathleen, Lisa, and Sierra has been such a rewarding experience,” Brown said. “They each bring their own perspective, strength, and authenticity to the table; and watching them step into these leadership moments reminds me exactly why EDGE matters. The future of leadership in our college is bright because of emerging voices like theirs.”

Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA, director of quality improvement in the Office of Accreditation and Planning and program co-lead, said Brittany’s leadership represents the full-circle impact EDGE was designed to create.

“Brittany exemplifies what it means to grow through EDGE. She’s not just teaching leadership; she’s living it,” Pierce said. “Her ability to guide others with both strength and empathy captures the very essence of this program. Seeing her now mentor and inspire new participants is exactly what we hoped this series would achieve.”

Participants were introduced to developing their leadership mission statements, a reflection process they’ll continue to build on throughout the program as they explore credibility, communication, adaptability, and personal branding.

As the series continues, Pierce said, EDGE participants will build on this foundation, continuing the program’s mission to empower leadership at every level.