National African-American Women's Leadership Institute

📰NAAWLI Leadership News

We would like to inform our community about one important leadership transition on our NAAWLI executive board.

Kara Barker has successfully concluded her tenure on the executive NAAWLI board after three impactful years as our first ever National Brand and Marketing Ambassador.

During her time, she implemented strategic marketing initiatives that significantly enhanced NAAWLI's visibility across major social media platforms, resulting in a remarkable 110% increase in impressions and improved engagement.

Additionally, Kara collaborated with the Vice Chairwoman on the Brand Committee to establish new national partnerships, which expanded NAAWLI's network and created collaborative opportunities aligned with the organization’s mission.

Kara is a proud graduate of the phenomenal NAAWLI Class of 2021.

As we celebrate our silver anniversary this year marking 25 years of excellence, sisterhood, and leadership, we recognize that transitions bring growth and transformation and we are excited to see what this new year brings.

Once again, thank you, Kara, for your exceptional service and commitment to elevating the NAAWLI brand. We appreciate all that you've done for the organization and for Black women.

More announcements will be shared at a later date as we onboard new board members.

❝Mentors talk to you. Sponsors talk about you to powerful people when you aren't in the room. You need both.❞- Kara Barker, NAAWLI Brand Ambassador.

Throughout this entire month we are highlighting one of our 8 core tenets - MENTORSHIP in celebration of National Mentoring Month!

Imagine this: Someone you admire sets aside time to meet with you. They share how they accomplished their goals. And over time, they cheer you on and give you feedback and advice.

Sounds pretty amazing ,right?

That is what I call a mentor!

But having a mentor ➕a sponsor is the support system you need to navigate these corporate waters these days.

In HBR article, Creating Psychological Safety for Black Women at Your Company Agbanobi and Asmelash (2023) discusses how Black women need allies in the workplace, yet there’s a permanence of alienation and devaluation experienced by Black individuals in corporate offices when they don’t have the resources or tools made available to them.

With these experiences permeating work, mentorship can serve as an avenue for allyship, advocacy, and a sense of belonging for Black women.

We heard it loud and so eloquently clear from author, activist and professor Elizabeth Leiba who led one of our NAAWLI Level UP mini sessions last year.

In her book, I’m Not Yelling: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Workplace (2022) she shares strategies and recommendations to give successful businesswomen a framework for racial trauma healing, emotional support, and business success.

Mentorship takes work and most of the work is on YOU - mentee!

Here are some tips for anyone who is in the mentee role:

🟣Remember your goals. If you mention your specific, achievable goals from the beginning of the relationship, your mentor can help you stay on track at each meeting.

🟣Meet consistently.

🟣Set an agenda. Before each meeting, send your mentor an agenda.

🟣Be open to feedback: positive or constructive. Sometimes it can be hard to take a compliment or look back and appreciate your own work. In the same vein, be open to hearing tough feedback.

🟣Remember that this relationship is not a therapy session. Remember to make and keep boundaries.

🟣Last but not least, consider establishing a board of mentors. There is no right or wrong number of mentors as you progress through your professional career.
Even if a formal mentorship period ends, keep these mentors in your life and updated on your achievements and pitfalls.

At the National African-American Women's Leadership Institute we believe and promote mentorship for Black women.

Consider signing up TODAY for the upcoming leadership program.

Deadline to sign up is February, 28!
www.naawli.org

We see in YOU!

Our hearts are with everyone impacted by the devastating wildfires sweeping through and around Los Angeles. The loss and uncertainty these fires bring to so many lives and homes is truly heartbreaking.

We're deeply grateful to the first responders and local organizations working around the clock to keep people safe during this crisis.

January is National Mentoring Month!

This month, we celebrate the power of mentorship!
Mentorship is not just about sharing knowledge; it's about building connections, fostering potential, and empowering others to achieve their goals.

Here are seven reasons why Black women can benefit from having mentors:
1. Guidance and Support: Mentors can provide valuable advice and insights based on their own experiences, helping Black women navigate challenges in their personal and professional lives.

2. Networking Opportunities: Mentors often have established networks that they can introduce their mentees to, facilitating connections that can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.

3. Skill Development: A mentor can help identify strengths and areas for improvement, providing constructive feedback and resources to enhance skills and competencies.

4. Confidence Building: Having a mentor can boost self-esteem and confidence, as they provide encouragement and validate the experiences and perspectives of Black women in various fields.

5. Career Advancement: Mentorship can open doors to career advancement by providing insights into industry trends, leadership opportunities, and strategies for professional growth.

6. Cultural Understanding: Mentors who share similar backgrounds can offer a unique understanding of the specific challenges faced by Black women, creating a safe space for dialogue and support.

7. Inspiration and Motivation: Seeing the success of a mentor can inspire Black women to set and pursue ambitious goals, providing a roadmap for what is possible in their own careers.

Overall, mentorship can play a crucial role in empowering Black women to achieve their full potential and make meaningful contributions in their fields.

Here’s to inspiring growth and making a difference—together!

To all the Black women standing tall in your truth, know this: your strength is unmatched, your beauty is timeless, and your voice carries the power of generations.

Keep shining, healing, and rising-you are the embodiment of excellence and resilience.

We see leadership in YOU!

Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays from all of us at National African-American Women's Leadership Institute!

As we embrace this festive season, let’s take a moment to reflect on the past year and celebrate the achievements we've made together.

It’s a time for giving, sharing, and uplifting one another.

May this holiday bring joy, warmth, and inspiration to you and your loved ones.

Let’s look forward to a new year filled with opportunities for growth and connection.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season!

Embracing the Future

Our Executive Director, Jadene Newborn Whaley, has always championed the mantra "Future Forward." As we look ahead to 2025, it's crucial to reflect on how we are preparing for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

As leaders, we are tasked with thinking strategically, connecting the dots between our past experiences, our present circumstances, and the future we aspire to create.

It's not just about having a vision; it’s about rallying others around that vision and inspiring them to keep pushing forward until it becomes a reality.

So, what does "Future Forward" mean to you?

What goals are you setting, and who are you bringing along on this journey?

Let’s engage in this dialogue and share our insights.

Together, we can shape a brighter future!

2025 NAAWLI waiting list is now open!
We see leadership in YOU!

The best thing you can do is start hanging around people or being in communities where standards are higher.

Join the wait list for the 2025 Program!

https://naawli.org

📰NAAWLI Leadership News

We would like to inform our community about two important leadership transitions on our NAAWLI executive board.

Daphine Willingham has successfully concluded her terms on the board as former Co- Chair and current Chairwoman of our Executive Board. Through her strategic leadership and vision, we established the existing Program Manager role and expanded our business relationships, which facilitated the securing of a government contract. These accomplishments have contributed to strengthening our financial position as a 501(c)(3) from an operational standpoint.

Dr. Tara Jabbaar-Gyambrah has successfully completed her terms as our Co-Chair and Commitee Chair of the Brand and Marketing Committee after years of dedicated service, we recognize the vital impact she has had on our organization. Under her leadership, we introduced a brand ambassador position to enhance visibility, developed a mini-strategic plan for public relations branding, and created consistent marketing materials. Additionally, Dr. Tara served as the keynote speaker at the NAAWLI graduation in 2023.

Both Daphine and Dr. Tara Jabbaar-Gyambrah are proud graduates of the phenomenal NAAWLI Class of 2021.

Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome Bianca Goolsby as our new Chairwoman. As we commemorate 2025, marking 25 years of excellence, sisterhood, and leadership, we recognize that transitions bring growth and transformation. We are eager to see how our new leaders will further elevate the organization.

Thank you, Daphine and Dr. Tara, for your dedicated service and commitment to NAAWLI. Your contributions to our executive board have been invaluable, and your presence will be greatly missed.
More announcements will be shared at a later date as we onboard new board members.

🌟 Big News! 🌟
We are thrilled to announce the election of Bianca Goolsby as the new Chairwoman of the Executive Board for the National African-American Women's Leadership Institute!

Bianca will officially take office on January 1, 2025. Her leadership promises to continue to inspire, elevate and empower our community as we continue to champion the advancement of African American women in leadership roles.

Join us in congratulating Bianca on this well-deserved recognition and in looking forward to a transformative journey ahead! 🎉

Elevating Excellence: Every day, NAAWLI fuels the empowerment journey of African-American women leaders. Your support propels transformative programs that uplift, transform, and empower.

Together, let's write the next chapter of empowerment. Donate for Giving Tuesday: https://naawli.org/donate