Rhonda Lingard, Ed.D.’s Post

While women’s leadership programs have made strides, they sometimes fall short in crucial areas. From neglecting the diverse needs of participants to underemphasizing the importance of mentorship, these gaps can hinder true empowerment. At B-WEL, we’re committed to filling these gaps by generating innovative solutions that support Black women leaders and institutions globally to remove structural barriers and build more equitable systems. Learn more about how to build a holistic women's leadership program in this article: https://lnkd.in/d9HwNvAu

Throwback to earlier this week. If you look closely at the pic below I'm the balding, slightly out of shape middle-aged white bloke sat front left. What was absolutely brilliant about this event was that, unlike most events I attend, that made me in the minority.   Ridiculous but true. I - most of us? - operate in a male-dominated sector where (and with apologies to the writers of the 'Cheers' theme tune) nearly everybody looks the same. It's fair to say there's been some positive change in terms of sentiment in recent years, but the data still shows there's a massive gender imbalance and the pace of change is glacial.   Change and culture comes from the top. At Palatine we aim to enhance the boards of companies we invest in through equipping them with high quality people and a broad range of skills. Proactively building a diverse board is an obvious way to ensure there are different experiences, skillsets, mindsets, opinions, perspectives and outlooks - and that flexibility of thought can only be of benefit to the wider business and the ongoing development of the people within it.   This event brought together a fantastic group of business leaders; they all just happened to be female. Fundamentally, they are people that others can look up to, be inspired by and also aspire to be. They are successful business people and active role models - and as the father of two daughters I struggle to see how that can't be a good thing. It shows the art of the possible.   For me, this event just reaffirmed my personal view that the current gender imbalance across numerous sectors, but particularly in financial services, is an absolute nonsense. However, with a proactive mindset, flexible thinking and acknowledgement that we're all in a position to do something about it, positive change can be made - which would be of benefit to all gender types.   Thanks to psd group for co-hosting and to all of those who attended and contributed to the discussion. Looking forward to working with some of you soon!

What an amazing Leadership Summit to help organize and bridge connection between students and professionals. Let's keep the discussion going, ask yourself: am I truly embracing my unique strengths and leveraging them to create a meaningful impact in my life? #leadershipsummit #empowerment #education

Day 2: Did you know that only about 30% of U.S. superintendents are women? Our Women in Leadership initiative is changing that narrative by fostering pathways for women leaders and offering mentorship and resources for success. Our network is dedicated to holding space, specifically for our women superintendents and Future Chiefs, to build a strong peer network of support and the opportunity to learn from those who know the role. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3tToe6R

Refreshed perspective and energy coming out of today’s Women In Construction Leadership and Networking Conference!

I recently had the honor of joining Jessica Fitzgibbons in Evertree Insurance’s inaugural Women Leadership Series discussion, and the conversation was invigorating! In addition to defining mentorship, we also discussed one of the most important characteristics needed for long-term success: self-awareness. It’s essential to understand what you do and don’t know, and surround yourself with people who fill in the gaps.

Community doesn’t just happen—you don’t just “fall into” it. It’s something you have to work at, something you build. It requires you to show up consistently, to engage, and to invest in relationships. The Women's Leadership Conference is where that community begins, but it’s what you do afterward—the opportunities you grab onto, the connections you nurture—that allows it to continue growing and flourishing. You don’t find community by waiting for it. You create it by stepping up and staying engaged.

The leadership culture in South Carolina is fast-paced and dynamic! Did you know that in 2023, 86.6% of Black women executives in South Carolina nonprofit organizations supported the idea of a self-reporting leadership demographic database? Imagine the exciting insights into executive leadership representation, trends, and practices across the state's four regions!

"Black women in particular have always predominated in the sector—and Black women in leadership are exactly what this sector needs and should be thankful for." - Nonprofit Quarterly, Spring Issue: A Critical Report on the State of Black Woman Leadership Keecha Harris, DrPH, RD is featured in this issue alongside 16 brilliant leaders. In her piece, she shares the unique opportunity for Black women leaders caught in the midst of organizational philanthropy’s slow but inevitable reckoning and how we can capitalize on this moment to: 1. Build authentic partnerships 2. Level-set relationships 3. And, practice expansive leadership to hardwire change for generations to come. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gn9TQmw6