(CAMBRIDGE, MA – October 28, 2025) – Lesley University today announced the launch of its Professional Learning Network, a new initiative designed to foster lifelong professional growth, mentorship, and community for Lesley alumni and other working professionals in education, mental health, the arts, and related fields. The network offers accessible, interdisciplinary learning opportunities that reflect the university’s commitment to continuous development and connection beyond graduation.
“We’re thrilled to see the vision for the Professional Learning Network come to life,” said Janet Steinmayer, President of Lesley University. “This initiative strengthens our community by expanding opportunities for connection, collaboration, and lifelong learning – leveraging the significant accomplishments of our remarkable alumni.”
The Professional Learning Network is organized into three key areas:
- Microlearnings & Webinars: Short, topic-driven videos and live events taught by Lesley’s accomplished alumni on timely issues with a focus across Lesley’s five pillars – education, mental health & well-being, art & design, liberal arts & business, and Threshold Programs.
- Communities of Practice (COPs) and Alumni Cohorts: Collaborative groups and workshops fostering mentorship, interdisciplinary exploration, relationship building and networking.
- Priority Job Matching Program (Coming Soon): Connections for alumni to tailored opportunities through individualized and personalized job matching.
“With the Professional Learning Network, we’re excited to provide new opportunities, resources, and networks that help our alumni, working professionals, and the greater Lesley community continue to grow and flourish long after they graduate from Lesley,” said Sonia Perez-Villanueva, Associate Provost of Liberal Arts and Business at Lesley University, who is leading the initiative.
Lesley University continues to champion faculty, student, and alumni scholarship that advances human potential across fields positioned at the intersection of education, mental health, and the arts. As these professions face significant challenges and workforce shortages, the university’s new Professional Learning Network aims to strengthen collective expertise and community resilience.
Webinars and COPs for the Professional Learning Network begin in November and will continue to grow throughout each academic year, with featured alumni giving the Lesley community and working professionals alike the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and mentor. The priority job matching program is forthcoming.
To learn more about Lesley’s Professional Learning Network or to register for an upcoming seminar or community of practice, please visit www.lesley.edu/my-professional-life-goals.
About Lesley University
Lesley is a private university located just outside of Boston in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Lesley serves 1,300 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, offering degrees and certificates in Education, Mental Health & Well-Being, Art & Design, and Liberal Arts & Business. Lesley also educates neurodiverse learners through its innovative Threshold Programs. To learn more about Lesley, please visit www.lesley.edu.