ILA Women & Leadership P2P Mastermind
Please apply using this link.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 11
Individuals will be notified by February 13
Peer Mentoring Groups
P2P (peer-to-peer) is a cohort mentoring opportunity for W&L members. The purpose of the program is to help members move through challenges using the Mastermind format. Masterminds offer brainstorming, collective and creative thinking, peer accountability, and support in a group setting. Members challenge each other to set and accomplish goals. A facilitator starts and runs the group, adhering to an agenda so that conversations stay on course. The facilitator ensures a culture of accountability is created and practiced. She also can be a resource to the cohort.
The group requires commitment, confidentiality, willingness to both give and receive advice and ideas, and to support each other with total honesty, respect, and compassion. Mastermind group members act as catalysts for growth, devil’s advocates and encouraging colleagues.
The concept of the “master mind alliance” was introduced by Napoleon Hill one hundred years ago. It’s been shortened and modernized to “mastermind group.”
PLEASE NOTE: The groups begin between March and November and continue for 8 months. Once established, cohort members will need to pay attention to time zone changes.
Mastermind Groups
Format
- Each group will have six members including the volunteer facilitator who is also a participant.
- Meet monthly for eight months via video conferencing (Zoom).
- Begin with a check-in for each person (generally three minutes each).
- Accountability Goal: Each person gives an update on her challenge (generally ten minutes each). Example – “At the last session I talked about how I want to take on more responsibility on the Expansion Project. I created talking points to bring to my manager about the benefits of having me do so. I have set up a meeting with her for next week to formally present my request.” The group can ask questions and offer insight. Each person sets a new/modified/continued accountability goal for the next session.
- At each session one person is in the Hot Seat, which allows her to present a challenge and go deep into problem-solving with her peers (generally 20-30 minutes).
- If time allows, the facilitator introduces an educational component for discussion. For example, EQ and working remote, your personal brand and its impact on your leadership, or follow-up information from the previous session discussion.
Topics, Times, and Facilitators
It Happens in the Middle
Facilitator: Melissa K. Mahan
First Tuesday of the month
First Session: Tuesday, March 5, 2024
12 Noon – 2:00 p.m. Central Time
This cohort embraces woman who are transitioning into Mid-level management positions or for those transitioning out of Mid-level management into a senior-level management role. Mid-level managers are the linchpin of an organization and their role is one of the most important because many initiatives are driven in the middle, it is where the work gets done. Much of the research indicates mid-level managers struggle with the most burn-out and stress in the workplace and are reported to be some of the most miserable in the company (2020, Wikie). Participants will explore strategies for thriving in their environments and will have support to explore their transitions, aspirations, and career goals in a facilitated space while building resilience and resolve for their own unique journeys.
Biography
Melissa K. Mahan currently serves as Associate Vice Provost of Academic Innovation at the University of Texas at San Antonio. In her role, Dr. Mahan coordinates the advancement of the university’s workforce programs, business community engagement, and professional and continuing education offerings. Dr. Mahan joined UTSA from Texas A&M University-San Antonio, where she served as Vice President for Student Affairs and Executive Director for the Henry G. Cisneros Institute for Emerging Leaders where she received the distinguished Jaguar Excellence Award for modeling courage and leading the way for faculty, staff and students in both 2016 and 2017. Dr. Mahan also previously served as the Associate Dean of Student Affairs at Northeastern State University and the Executive Director of the National Clearinghouse for Commuter Programs (NCCP) where she was a 2009 founding award receipt of the Northeastern State University Centurion - Leaders of this Century. Dr. Mahan has a long history of serving in national leadership roles, including the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS), the American College Personnel Association's (ACPA) Commission for Commuter Students and Adult Learners, and with the San Antonio chapter of the International Coaching Federation. She has also served in a variety of professional and volunteer positions, including Vice President for Education and Foster Coaching at the Children’s Shelter, and as a board member with the National Association for Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Center for Women and the International Leadership Association (ILA) Women and Leadership Affinity Group where was a contributing author to the (2015) Asilomar Declaration and Call To Action on Women and Leadership. Dr. Mahan has a B.S. in Accounting from Northeastern State University, an M.S. in Business Administration from Southern Nazarene University, and a Ph.D. in Occupational and Adult Education with an emphasis in Human Relations from Oklahoma State University.
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BILOC (Black Indigenous Leaders of Color) Leaders Activate!
Facilitator: Michellea "Redbird"Millis Rucker
Last Saturday of the month
First Session: Saturday, March 30, 2024
11:00 a.m. – 12 noon Eastern Daylight Saving Time
If you identify as a Black Indigenous Leader of Color then you are aware of the importance of a necessary space to reflect in a peer-to-peer intentional learning community that a Mastermind encourages. Let's uplift the communal practice of learning from each other to facilitate authentic leadership development. "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together!"
Biography
Michellea "Redbird"Millis Rucker is the Founder and CEO of Transforming Our Practice, LLC., and BrownSTEM, INC. Her expertise is in transformational leadership coaching, facilitation, leadership development, and thought partnership (consulting). Her coaching stance and philosophy lean into leader identity aligned with beliefs, behaviors, and ways of being. She has over 21 years of experience in education, ten years in non-profit administration, and ten years as an entrepreneur. She is an experienced instructional, leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion coach. She is an ICF ACC specializing in Transformational Leadership and Performance Coaching and Diversity Equity, Inclusion Certified (DEIC). She has a BA Degree in Organizational Management, MS in Managerial Leadership, Harvard Graduate School of Education Alumni with a focus on Leadership and Data and completing another Master’s in Educational Leadership and Ed.D. Doctoral Candidate in Leadership (anticipated graduation date 2024). Recently, she was featured in the September 2020 edition of the Excelligent Magazine as a Global Education Influencer. She is also a LEGO® SERIOUSPLAY® Methods Facilitator, Forbes Coaches Council Member Leader of BIPOC Coach Connect, and Catalyst ED DEI PRG Facilitator. She is a proud active member of the BIPOC Coach Collective, Vice Chair of First Nations with International Leadership Association(ILA), American Education Research Association (AERA), Forbes Coaches Council, Association for International Educators and Leaders of Color (AIELOC), Board member and Advisor for iChange Collaborative, and Native Indian Education Association (NIEA).
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Emerging Leaders, Young Women and Leadership
Facilitator: Hayley Baker
Last Friday of the Month
First Session: Friday, March 29, 2024
10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time
This cohort aims to connect and support young women’s leadership journeys. The cohort emerged from the Young Women and Leadership Task Force, who heard from ILA members that mentorship opportunities would be beneficial for them. The goal is to support networking opportunities, learn from successes, discuss challenges and barriers, and share opportunities. Rather than being prescriptive, this cohort is keen to reflect the needs and desires of participants.
Biography
Hayley has demonstrable interest and experience in leadership education and research as a PhD graduate in Critical Policy, Equity, and Leadership Studies at the Faculty of Education at Western University. Additionally, her Master’s degree is in Leadership and Coaching. While she has strong leadership knowledge, Hayley also possesses diverse leadership teaching experience. Currently, Hayley is an Assistant Professor within the Leadership Studies program at Brescia University College and has also taught leadership at the high school level. Lastly, Hayley is heavily involved with the International Leadership Association (ILA), attending, and presenting during at least one of their conferences each year. She was part of a team that received a silver medal in the ILA’s student case competition in 2019, and in 2021 she was one of the graduate students selected to take part in the ILA’s Women and Leadership Academic Colloquium. Currently, Hayley volunteers as an elected member of the ILA’s Executive Leadership Team and Chair their Young Women and Leadership Task Force.
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Pivot Points: Women Navigating Career and Life Transitions
Facilitators: Jana Roberts, Ed.D., Amy Rutstein-Riley, Ph.D., Stephanie Spadorcia, Ph.D.
Third Friday of the month
First Session: March 15, 2024
1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time
Pivot Points: Women Navigating Career and Life Transitions" is designed for women at critical transition points in their careers and personal lives. This 8-month journey offers a facilitated supportive space for women to explore and navigate the multifaceted and often nuanced challenges of professional shifts and life transitions and changes. "Pivot Points" is rooted in the strategies developed within the LEAD (Leadership, Enrichment and Development) framework (Spadorcia, Rutstein-Riley, Direiter, Women and Leadership Conference, 2018; 2019). Building on the foundation of previous mastermind experiences, our focus is on adaptability, resilience, self-exploration, and reinvention. Participants will explore our leadership identities, development of new personal and professional competencies, and consider the constraints and opportunities inherent in moving through the twists and turns of creating a fulfilling professional life. "Pivot Points" offers a unique opportunity for women to redefine their identities and visions for the future, turning pivotal challenges into stepping stones for success and fulfillment.
Biographies
Jana Roberts, Ed.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Leadership Studies EdD program at Trevecca Nazarene University. Over the last 25 years, she has held various leadership roles focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her scholarship centers on leadership identity development and leadership education. She has presented nationally on this topic.
Amy Rutstein-Riley, Ph.D., M.P.H, is Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Leadership and Change and Director of the PhD Program in Leadership and Change at Antioch University. She co-created and facilitates Leadership Enrichment and Development focused on leadership identity development. She has presented nationally on this topic and the LEAD model. Her scholarship focuses on girls’ and women’s identity development through an interdisciplinary framework.
Stephanie Spadorcia, Ph.D. is Vice Provost for Education at Lesley University. She co-created and facilitates Leadership Enrichment and Development focused on leadership identity development. She has presented nationally on this topic and the LEAD model. Her scholarship focuses on teacher education, and special education and language/ literacy development.
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INNOVATIVE MINDS
Facilitator: Latoya Colette Tazel Johnson
Wednesdays, Third Wednesday of the Month
First Session: March 20, 2023
4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time
Welcome to INNOVATIVE MINDS, a coaching cohort designed to empower professionals in structuring their work and career lives. Led by Latoya Colette Tazel Johnson, our sessions focus on the critical aspects of organization, prioritization, and achieving a harmonious balance between professional and personal life. Join us for an enriching experience that provides fresh perspectives, actionable strategies, and a roadmap for continuous growth and impact. During our sessions, we will examine various topics such as assessing the importance of tasks, strengthening engagement, and cultivating a sense of ownership and pride in your professional initiatives. Together, we will evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs and pinpoint areas for improvement. Our goal is to explore measurable ways to enhance the impact of your initiatives and refine your priorities.
Biography
Latoya Colette Tazel Johnson is a dedicated professional with a focus on leadership and advancement for all genders. With a rich background in collaboration, she has worked with Global Mindset for the Center for Education and Bahamas Lotus. Latoya has actively contributed to the NGO Business Institute Empowerment (BIE) and Business Institute (BI), where she has addressed diverse community needs. BI's offerings cover essential topics such as the History of Women in Leadership, Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace, and Developing Emotional Intelligence. Latoya has provided counseling and business advice, leveraging her extensive experience. Notably, BI and BIE have actively participated in women's conferences globally, including events like the CSW in New York at the United Nations (UN), the ILA Global conference, the WAMM Bahamas conference (where she served on the Advisory Board), and the Bahamas Civil Society. Additionally, she has served on the Public Leadership Board at ILA, focusing on Non-Profits globally. Join us on this journey of growth and empowerment with INNOVATIVE MINDS!
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EQ Mastery for Business Leaders
Facilitator: Dwina E. Higgs
Second Saturday of the month
First Session: Saturday, March 9, 2023
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon Eastern Daylight Saving Time
Step into a world of growth, empowerment, and leadership excellence with the EQ Mastery for Business Leaders cohort. Led by the accomplished facilitator, Dwina E. Higgs, this cohort is tailored for women like you, eager to enhance their emotional intelligence (EQ) for effective leadership.
What to Expect: Dive into engaging discussions on crucial topics such as self-awareness, interpersonal relationships, and team dynamics all set against the backdrop of the ever-evolving business landscape. This cohort places a strong emphasis on the practical application of EQ principles, equipping you with the skills needed to navigate challenges, foster positive workplace cultures, and propel your career to new heights within the business domain.
Why Join?
- Network: Connect with like-minded women leaders in the business sector.
- Skill Enhancement: Develop a deeper understanding of emotional intelligence and its applications in leadership.
- Career Advancement: Gain valuable insights to steer your career towards new opportunities.
- Empowerment: Be part of a supportive community that encourages personal and professional growth.
Who Should Join? Women in mid-to-senior-level positions within the business sector who are passionate about honing their leadership skills, fostering positive workplace cultures, and navigating the complexities of the business world.
Ready to Transform Your Leadership Journey? Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to elevate your leadership, enhance your emotional intelligence, and forge connections that last a lifetime. Secure your spot in the EQ Mastery for Business Leaders cohort. Register today and embark on a journey towards becoming a more impactful and emotionally intelligent leader, because empowered women empower each other!
Biography
Dwina Higgs, a seasoned professional in business and nonprofit sectors, has devoted her career to optimizing organizational efficiency and nurturing leadership. With a rich background in navigating the intricacies of business operations, she brings valuable insights to discussions on emotional intelligence and career transitions. Dwina's passion for empowering women in business is evident in her commitment to fostering inclusive growth. Having amassed a wealth of experience, Dwina is poised to contribute significantly as a P2P facilitator within the ILA Women & Leadership community. Her diverse expertise positions her to guide discussions, offer valuable perspectives, and create a supportive space for women navigating the complexities of their professional journeys. Dwina looks forward to leveraging her robust background to foster collaborative learning and elevate the leadership skills of her peers within the ILA community.
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Application Information:
APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 11
Individuals will be notified by February 13
The number of participants is limited to six ILA members per cohort. Please indicate your first, and if appropriate, your second choice and be sure that the dates work for your schedule.
If need be participants will be chosen by lottery.
Please apply using this link.