EDGE for Success expands with new ambassadors and USA Health launch

Ambassadors and co-leads of EDGE for Success: Christina Murphree; Amanda Arnold, M.S., RDN, LD; Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA; Marcina Lang, MPA; and Domenico Spadafora, Ph.D.

The Whiddon College of Medicine’s EDGE for Success program is entering its next cycle with exciting momentum, a new cohort of mentors, and a new home at USA Health. Building on the success of the inaugural series, which showed measurable growth in leadership and self-efficacy across every area assessed, EDGE continues to grow as both a program and a community.

Three new EDGE Ambassadors — Brittany Brown, MSN, RN, NE-BC; Christina Murphree; and Domenico Spadafora, Ph.D. — will join returning co-leads Marcina Lang, MPA; Amanda Arnold, M.S., RDN, LD; and program designer Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA, as mentors in this second cycle. Notably, the new ambassadors were participants in the first EDGE cohort, and their transition to mentoring is a powerful reflection of the program’s core vision: Leadership is not about titles; it’s about growth, impact, and lifting others as you climb.

What EDGE Covers

EDGE for Success is a six-session interactive program designed to help staff build leadership skills, enhance communication, and strengthen collaboration — regardless of formal role or title. Through guided discussion, hands-on practice, and mentorship, participants will:

• Explore personal leadership values and emotional intelligence.
• Build practical skills in communication, feedback, and collaboration.
• Learn strategies for productivity, including the integration of AI tools.
• Cultivate resilience and reflective practices for continuous growth.
• Develop a personal brand and professional presence.
• Conclude with a reflection and recognition session to celebrate growth.

The program blends evidence-based readings, small group interaction, and structured mentorship, providing participants not only with knowledge but also with space to apply, practice, and reflect.

“EDGE was created with a simple belief: leadership is not about position; it’s about practice,” Pierce said. “Seeing participants grow in confidence, skills, and voice — and now watching mentees step into the role of mentors — has been incredibly rewarding. This next cycle will continue to build on that foundation as we expand to USA Health.”

Details and Registration

The next cycle begins with orientation on Sept. 24, followed by six sessions held from 11 a.m. to noon in the USA Health Clinical Trials Training Room. Interested staff can register at this link.