Lesley Stevenson currently serves as the Associate Director of Residence Life at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, with more than 15 years of experience in student affairs and residential education. Her professional background includes positions at California State University, Dominguez Hills, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Marymount College. Lesley is committed to developing emerging student affairs professionals and creating inclusive, student-centered environments. She values collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning, and brings a practical, reflective approach to leadership development. Through her work, she encourages new professionals to embrace growth, lead with intention, and navigate the opportunities and challenges of higher education with confidence.

Shannon Balram serves as the Associate Director for Student & Employee Engagement in Residential & Community Living at the University of California, Santa Barbara. With nearly 20 years of experience in higher education, her professional journey has included residential life, housing administration, Title IX, talent management, and advancing curricular approaches to learning and development. Her passion for teaching and professional development has also led her to serve, most recently, as a faculty member for the ACPA Institute on the Curricular Approach.

Across these experiences, Shannon has developed a deep appreciation for the people and communities that shape our professional journeys, believing that we never learn or grow alone. She is passionate about cultivating curiosity, creating meaningful learning experiences, and helping others recognize their potential. Grounded in a belief that leadership is fundamentally about people, Shannon is excited to invest in the next generation of leaders through WTI.