Recapping Women LEAD 2024
By Anna Grace Hawkins, Communications and Marketing Committee
This year’s Women LEAD education series concentrated on showing up authentically in community leadership roles. The three-part series included insightful panels and thoughtful discussions on myths and misconceptions of board service, what it is like to serve on a nonprofit board, and why it is important to show up as your authentic self.
Women LEAD #1 – The series kicked off with Mindset, Myths, and Misconceptions that Limit Board Participation by breaking down the false perceptions of board service. A panel of speakers debunked the assumptions many of us have around the professional experience, seniority, philanthropic giving, and background required to be “good board member,” and emphasized the value of diversity in an effective board.
Women LEAD #2 – The second session, Nuts & Bolts: Training for Effective Board Service, focused on how to identify nonprofits, ways to get involved, and what questions to ask when considering board service. One point that stood out was the importance of finding an organization whose mission and culture align with your values. A great way to do this is to attend events, seek volunteer opportunities, and get to know the people involved in the organization. Lastly, the speakers outlined the responsibilities of board service and how those may differ depending on the size and structure of the organization, highlighting the need to ask questions and understand these elements when considering a board position.
Women LEAD #3 – To finish the series, the focus was on Authenticity in Community Leadership. As the panelists shared stories of how their willingness to be vulnerable and offer unique perspectives has positively impacted the organizations they help lead, we too can be empowered to do the same.
Over the last few months, the Women LEAD series has brought information and inspiration to WIF members and guests. We look forward to seeing how these topics spark action within the nonprofit community in Charlotte and beyond!
