YWCA Kicks off New Leadership Program
YWCA Kicks Off New Leadership for Inclusive Communities, Influencing Diversity, Inclusion and Equity in Local Organizations
YWCA received $122,205 in funding to implement this initiative from the New Hanover County Endowment Foundation
Wilmington, NC - 9, May 2023 - YWCA Lower Cape Fear, the oldest and largest women’s movement, providing services for women and their families, announces its new initiative Leadership for Inclusive Communities (LIC), a leadership program for senior leaders in the nonprofit, public and business sectors to influence for diversity, inclusion and equity. The 10-month program provides a deep journey into personal development and community building, with a focus on organizational and community change. LIC is funded by the New Hanover Community Endowment Foundation. YWCA Lower Cape Fear received $122,205 to implement the program in Wilmington.
“At the YWCA we are on a mission to advance racial justice. Through the Leadership for Inclusive Communities pilot program we are challenging systems, decreasing fears and finding new ways to add value to the community, particularly when it comes to equity and inclusion. I am excited about the organizations and leaders who are participating in the program; by partaking it’s a testament to the work and dedication of our community to create a better experience for all,” says Velva Jenkins, CEO, YWCA Lower Cape Fear.
Wilmington is ready for a higher level of commitment to a more inclusive and equitable community. LIC is modeled after the successful Leadership Development Institute in Charlotte that is owned and designed by Octavia Seawell, founder OZS Consulting, offering services in strategic planning, process design, and change initiatives for organizations and communities.
Ms. Seawell will design and lead the LIC pilot in Wilmington to be tailored to the history, current needs and desired future for Wilmington when it comes to inclusion, diversity and equity. LIC will have two other facilitators, Tanya Blackmon, founder and president of Auspen Consulting, and Victor Armstrong, National Director, Soul Shop for Black Churches, a national initiative to equip faith community leaders to minister to those impacted by suicide. Ms. Blackmon is a nationally recognized DEI executive, president and COO with an exceptional record of leadership, performance improvement and revenue growth. Mr. Armstrong previously served as Chief Diversity Officer of RI International with responsibility for developing, creating and implementing DEI framework throughout the organization.
Participating LIC organizations are expected to commit to be leaders in support of DEI both internally and in the community. There are 12 organizations involved in the LIC pilot with 2-3 of their senior leaders participating. Participating organizations: Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, City of Wilmington, Genesis Block, LINC Inc., Live Oak Bank, New Hanover County, New Hanover County Schools, North State Bank, Novant Health, United Way of the Cape Fear Area, Wilmington Housing Authority, and YWCA Lower Cape Fear.
To learn more about the program, email Velva Jenkins, CEO, YWCA Lower Cape Fear at velva@ywca-lowercapefear.org.
