Inspiration
This program stemmed from my passion for roller derby and empowHERing, supporting, and encouraging other people who identify as women that are minorities towards their professional growth in their careers. Roller derby was the place where I felt safe, confident, and empowHERed to grow. This community of women supported and encouraged each other to do and be better not just at the sport but also in life off of the track. I learned so much about leadership, when to pivot, recognizing not everyone is built the same mentally and physically when to lean on your team, and to love myself despite my circumstances or past.
After playing competitive roller derby for seven years I retired from playing and returned to complete my bachelor of science degree. I remember trying to find a new community of diverse inspiring women who were as supportive as my league mates. This was challenging, especially in academia where I struggled. There I was once again invisible, I didn’t stand out for being the smartest or brightest student. Fortunately, I found my people who were lost in the shuffle as well in academia and we bonded. We spoke endlessly about the lack of minority representation in leadership whether it was people with disabilities, LGBT+, BIPOC, etc. I asked a professor, colleagues, friends, and people I worked with about this and they tried as best they could to guide and support me in my search for people who were representative of my identity and culture.
I had asked other minority women if they experienced a lack of support or a pathway towards leadership and the answer was "yes." I noticed throughout my career a lack of minority women in leadership or a pathway forward. When I did find these women some were not willing to talk about how they grew in their careers or did not have time.
Solution
A program of monthly LeadHERship Pathway workshops, monthly meetups, and a virtual community space that provides people who identify as minority women a pathway of support, resources, and a safe space to get to the next level of their careers.
Vision
For YOU to see yourself as a reflection in other women to look out to the window of possibilities of YOUR career. Giving back and mentoring other people who identify as women in their career path building a community and network of minority women leaders.
Virtual Community Space
Learn more about what the virtual community space will look like by clicking on the button below.
Indicators of Success
Participants will connect with at least three of their peers through the program.
Participants will be mentored by someone who represents their identity.
Participants will report through measures of evaluation the success of gaining a leadership position.
Participants will report they feel supported by their peers.
Problem
A lack of diverse people who identify as women in leadership roles and not having a pathway, or resources to attain them.
Building community with your peers who can relate to your struggle towards advancing in your career to connect, and share resources.
Measures of Evaluation
Surveys
Observations
Interviews
Data Collection
Assessments
Monthly LeadHERship Pathway Workshops
Monthly LeadHERship Pathway workshops.
Topics:
Networking
Mentors
Sponsors
Relocation
And More!
*** LeadHERship Pathway Workshop formats are intentionally curated from books, readings, articles, and experiences to empowHER minority women who are trying to advance in their careers.