The mission of LEAD is to support the success, connection, and well-being of women of color faculty, whose unique needs are often overlooked in general professional development offerings. We ask that you honor the spirit of this mission by only registering if you identify as a woman of color faculty.

Although LEADers are asked to attend group sessions with a sense of possibility, openness, and curiosity, I respect the varying comfort levels with disclosure folks might have. As such, any sharing of personal information is by invitation not edict.

Elohee's Bald Mountain accommodations consist of seven newly-built cottages tucked along the mountain ridge and built to reduce their impact on the natural environment.

Attention is paid to every detail in an effort to maximize feelings of calm and connection, from the heavy doors with sound reducing seals to the minimalist decor to the soothing paint on the walls to the plush, white duvets that cover each bed and the decorative rugs that adorn the beautiful hardwood floors. Sheets, towels, and bath amenities (soap, shampoo, conditioner) are provided for all rooms.

There is excellent cellphone service for all the major carriers. No internet access is available; a benefit for a retreat where a goal is to exhale and unplug. If you have to connect to the internet, you will need to bring your own hotspot.

Elohee is 90 minutes from Hartsfield Jackson airport in Atlanta, depending on traffic. If you are flying in for LEAD, you may either rent a car or take the optional shuttle WellAcademic offers for an additional fee. Shuttle seats are limited and you must coordinate your arrival and departure times based on the shuttle schedule. More information is available during the registration period.

Yes, if permitted by your university.

Caveat: Unfortunately, WellAcademic does not accept payment from anyone employed by the state of Georgia, whether using university or personal funds. This restriction is to ensure compliance with conflict of interest, ethical, financial, and other policies that apply to WellAcademic owner and lead retreat facilitator Dr. Roxanne Donovan.

Absolutely not! The meals are mostly vegetarian, but the Elohee chef is amazingly skilled at making them delicious and hearty. There is also no shortage of coffee, which is served at every meal. Coffee is even available one hour prior to breakfast for those who can't even imagine starting their day any other way. Tea is available 24 hours a day at the Tea House, a cozy building next to the cottages with lots of windows and comfy chairs.

The terrain is hilly and rugged in areas (e.g., gravel pathways), particularly between the cottages and the communal areas. There are also outdoor steps to some of the locations (e.g., reflecting pond and fire ring). This makes traversing the property effortful for those with reduced mobility.

Unfortunately, no, unless your family member is another woman of color faculty member who has also registered for LEAD.

The registration process starts once you submit the registration form, which is visible when enrollment is open. An invoice based on your registration information will be sent via email within two business days of your submission. Invoices are valid for one week. Registration is not confirmed until payment is received.

Although we hope you will attend LEAD, we understand that unexpected life events may prevent you from doing so. If you must cancel, the following refund criteria apply:

If we must cancel, you will be given the choice of a full refund or alternative dates for a future LEAD offering. We are not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any cancelled LEAD, such as airline tickets and/or other costs associated with preparing for your trip. Participants who are traveling to LEAD via plane are advised to have comprehensive travel insurance covering costs for any loss.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any refunds, credits, or compensation for "no shows," late arrivals, or early departures, regardless of the reason.

LEAD is offered every two years. The next one will be September 2026.