Despite our stated commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion, few people in senior leadership roles look like me. In fact, a racial leadership gap exists across most sectors.
Many leaders of color are already skilled to lead but are often overlooked due to unconscious biases and other factors outside their control. When they obtain leadership roles, they are frequently the only person of color or one of a few in leadership roles. This means they may lack access to a supportive community that understands their unique experience of having a marginalized identity at work. In addition, they often lack access to a community that embraces their unique lived experience, leading to lower levels of psychological safety, vulnerability, courage, or an overall sense of belonging at work.
WHY THIS CIRLCE MATTERS
As a leader of color, you bring an invaluable perspective to the table — one that is essential in today’s diverse world. Yet, the path to senior leadership is often mired with unseen hurdles and unconscious bias. “Changemakers of Color” is your platform to leap over these obstacles and claim your place at the leadership table.
The simple definition lies in the word itself.
Noun: Someone whose job or role is to bring about change in an institution or in society
Simple enough, but what kind of change are we talking about? When communities embrace a shared definition of “changemaker,” they can measure progress in actual results.
With a deep-rooted sense of empathy for others, a changemaker is committed at their core to social justice and change. They take action and do it relentlessly.
Changemakers are personally connected to the issues in their communities. They aren’t superheroes, parachuting in like an outsider, ready to save the day. They champion the causes that matter most to them, because those issues directly affect the people in their circle of influence.
You don’t have to rely on millions of dollars in seed money to create your own vehicle for change. The greatest good can happen within the walls of even the longest-held institutions. All it takes is a bit of creativity and a willingness to share your voice. See something, say something.
*Source: Fast Company “What is a Changemaker?”
The complexity of the global challenges we face today requires changemakers of every color to affect real, deep, lasting transformation across all of our systems.
If you are like me, you joined the ranks of many before you with a strong desire to represent your communities and transform the systems you work in to be more fair, equitable, and just. And like me, you’ve probably discovered that most systems aren’t psychologically safe, let alone inclusive.
While some changes are happening, many leaders of color, unfortunately, continue to navigate unfair, inequitable, discriminatory workplaces. They’re expected to show up authentically and with presence, yet the reality is that their whole selves are not always welcomed or embraced. Sound familiar?
Finding and nurturing a supportive network is a crucial part of inclusive leadership.
This free resource, “Breaking Barriers Together: Finding A Supportive Network as a Leader of Color,” offers actionable solutions for creating a network of peers and allies.
By downloading this guide, you will receive additional resources for leaders once a quarter.
As a member of the Changemakers of Color mastermind group, you will:
Foster and draw strength from a network of like-minded peers.
Cultivate a deep sense of psychological safety and belonging, empowering you to lead with authenticity, courage & tenacity.
Embrace and advocate for your unique identity, transforming your lived experiences into a wellspring of courage and innovation.
Receive an interactive workbook with space to reflect, peer-discussion questions, and resources for leaders of color.
Spotlight coaching offers a unique opportunity for leaders of color to receive personalized and impactful coaching support. This offering includes:
Leadership Coaching: Learn strategies to enhance your leadership skills.
Career Transition Coaching: Receive the support and resources you need to make informed decisions and achieve your professional goals.
Personality Assessments and Debrief: Gain valuable insights into your strengths, areas for development, and how to leverage your unique traits to lead effectively.
Module 1: Welcome & Introduction – Overview of the program goals & objectives
Module 2: Define Authenticity – Explore how personal values contribute to authenticity
Module 3: Build Courage – Develop strategies for building courage in difficult situations
Module 4: Develop Tenacity – Strategies for developing tenacity and resilience
Module 5: Navigate Power & Privilege – Strategies for navigating power and privilege as a leader of color from a marginalized background
Module 6: Build Support Networks – Understand the importance of building support networks
Module 7: Healing & Self-Care – Strategies for prioritizing self-care and healing
Module 8: Celebration & Reflection – Celebration of achievements and growth throughout the program
Each Group Coaching Mastermind Session will be 90-minutes and held between 3-4:30 pm PT/ 6-7:30 pm ET.
Upcoming 2025 Dates:
March 11
March 25
April 8
April 22
May 6
May 27
June 10
June 17
Cost: $475 per month (4 month commitment). Discounts available if paid in full. Reach out to our team by clicking the button below to learn more.
Dr. Lakeya Cherry, DSW, MSSW, ACC, an executive leadership coach and partner at Evolution, has dedicated her career to the growth and development of individuals and the organizations they are a part of. As an ICF Certified Coach, a StartingBloc Fellow, a Google #lamRemarkable Facilitator, and a Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, she believes that when leaders are empowered to reach their fullest potential, they will be able to support those around them more effectively.
It was her own experience with coaching that ignited her passion to support individuals, teams, and organizations to lead more authentically and courageously. Her former clients include Black Administrators of Child Welfare, Glassdoor, LA Cleantech Incubator (LACI), National Council for Mental Wellbeing, and Snap.
Additional qualifications: Psychological Safety, EQi 2.0 and EQ 360 certified, Diversity and Inclusion certification (eCornell), and Nonprofit Executive Leadership certificate (National Human Services Assembly)
Changemakers of Color provides real, actionable solutions for sustainable well-being.
Changemakers of Color provides an intimate, brave space for exploring important – and sometimes sensitive – topics in a supportive peer setting.