In honor of Women’s History Month, our all-women team reflected on what it means to be a woman of color, leading in today’s socioeconomic climate. Read about what we had to say!
Nydia: Women’s History Month is deeply personal to me as a woman of color. It is a time to honor women, especially those whose stories weren’t always told, the ones who broke barriers and created opportunities so many of us have today, and to keep moving forward for the generations to come. It reminds me that equity moves forward because women, often against the odds, choose to lead, speak up, and drive change.
Joyce: Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the women before me who helped pave the way to give me the privileges I have today. From my personal to professional life, the women I surround myself with and look up to are powerful, inspirational, and impactful — encouraging me to pave an even bigger path for the women after me.
Amy: WHM, really any recognition month, means more to me now that it did when I was younger. Now, it’s a reminder to me that we’ve made progress, but there’s so much more to do. We are living in a moment that wants to erase all the brilliant differences that make us human. I believe that remembering to honor and celebrate those who came before us is a strong way to combat that erasure.
Nydia: The impact of belonging inspires me. When people feel seen, valued, and heard, they thrive. Being part of creating spaces where diverse leaders can connect and lead authentically is what keeps me committed to this work. I also bring this work forward for my kids and for future generations, so they inherit communities and workplaces where equity and opportunity are the norm, not the exception.
Joyce: As a woman of color, I am inspired by our mission and vision as it is near and dear to my heart. In my professional career, I could recognize spaces or experiences where I was not welcomed, acknowledged, or heard. The work we do makes a difference in providing a safe space for community, voices, and change.
Amy: I never saw myself in the non-profit sphere and it was almost by accident that I came to Partners in Diversity. It was the best unplanned professional reroute! I’ve done plenty of work where values and culture were said to matter, but it was a hollow experience. In the work I do now, I don’t have to leave my heart at home. I don’t have to question the value of the work we do or the people we serve. I am inspired by every happy face that comes to our events, by every person that gets to have the lightbulb moment when they belong. Those moments make me excited to go to work.
Nydia: Inclusive leadership means listening with purpose, inviting diverse perspectives and ideas, and making decisions with an equity lens. It’s about creating access, sharing knowledge, and leading in ways that build trust and drive long-term change.
Joyce: Accountability and acknowledgment is key to inclusive leadership. I think people do not like to acknowledge if they are lacking in some aspects, but you have to face the challenges before you to make real change or difference.
Amy: I think true leadership is inclusive. Leadership without valuing people isn’t leadership; it’s herding people. Inclusive leadership means being in the trenches with your team; it means doing the work instead of talking about it. Inclusive leadership means investing in your team and building them up. It’s vulnerable, brave, and essential.
