Fisher Women to Lead New Institute

Linda Dickey ’07 (M.S.) and Sharitta Gross Smith ’19 (Ed.D.) were named to leadership positions at the newly established Speranza Leadership Institute at Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women.

Paul and Cheryl Speranza co-created and co-funded the Institute through a generous gift of more than $1.2 million from the Speranza family and the Cheryl and Paul Speranza Foundation. With locations in Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women as well as East High School, the Cheryl Speranza Leadership Institute will benefit all students in grades 9 through 12, with scholarships available for emerging leaders from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, such as young women with limited financial and personal support.

Dickey, who will serve as chair of the Institute, received her master’s degree in educational administration from Fisher, and a master’s degree in teaching and curriculum with a concentration in Social Studies from the University of Rochester.

Gross Smith, who will serve as vice chair, received her master’s degree in liberal studies from SUNY Brockport, and an advanced certificate in project management from RIT, is expected to earn her Education Doctorate in Executive Leadership from Fisher this spring.