Women as Leaders and Mentors

Overview: Women are increasingly demanding a voice as leaders. In the process they are mentoring others. This session will examine and facilitate dialogue about theory, leadership pathways, and the role of mentoring, while identifying professional development opportunities. Knowledge will be shared about diverse pathways to leadership and mentorship.Proposal text: In this 21st century, the multi-faceted experiences, leadership talents, skills, and knowledge of women are imperative in bringing forward a new lens for addressing entrenched systems of oppression. COVID-19, social movements to dismantle structural racism and sexism, political polarization, and technological advancements across the globe have taught us the critical role of women as leaders at all levels of society from micro to mezzo to macro (Starks et al., in press). At the mezzo and macro levels, internal and external barriers have prevented the representation of women in major leadership roles in society including academia, government, political, activism and advocacy, and the profession of social work. Gendered inequality looms large (Brandwein, 2012). However, in the wake of the 2016 elections that centered patriarchal nationalist policies, women entered politics in increasing numbers; they are taking on leadership roles as the dual COVID-19 and racism pandemics are being addressed (Starks et al., 2021).
An empowering hand, that lifts and gives voice, encouraging and sustaining women leaders in achieving health and well-being for their communities is emerging.

This session will highlight women leaders who bring an analytic and development lens that evolves from their worldview and experiences as leaders and mentors. The ways women have faced barriers to fully engage in society will be examined. The strength of women leaders is anchored in values, grounded in equality, and carried forth in empathy. Mentorship that respects the dichotomous lives of women is key for support on a path to leadership. Woman as leader speaks to the question of what happens at the intersection of race, gender, power, and leadership. The basics of aspiration, development, mentorship, and claiming power and voice will be explored as participants identify their professional trajectory. This workshop will present theories, models, and frameworks for the mentoring of women for leadership positions. Analysis and development are anchored in feminist (hooks, 2015a, 2015b), womanist (Hyde, 2009), Black feminist (Collins, 2009), borderline (Anzaldúa, 2021) theories, and intersectionality (Sloan et al., 2018; Cho et al., 2013).

The personal and professional journeys women have taken as mentors, mentees, and leaders in community, academia, advocacy and action, and the profession, will be shared (Abrams, 2019, 2020; Garza, 2020; Carlton LaNey, 2001). Current and emerging leaders in social work, public health, public safety, politics, and higher education will be presented as they intersect and enrich transformative change. Knowledge will be shared on diverse pathways to leadership and relevant mentorship models which link aspiration with reality (Mallinger et al., 2017). Models that guide, support, and protect women in developing leadership skills will be included as well. Further, this workshop will facilitate examination of one’s leadership aspirations, qualifications, and the role of professional development in cultivating a leadership pipeline.