WK 9 - Diverse Leadership in Ecology: Expanding Your Influence and Generating a Leadership-Network

Session Description: The purpose of this workshop is to prepare ecologists from underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups for leadership positions within ecological fields and ESA, spaces where diversity continues to remain chronically low. By 2045, racial and ethnic minorities is projected to be the majority of people in the US. Yet, we are seeing a back sliding of diversity: “Leaking Talent: How People of Color are Pushed Out of Environmental Organizations” (Green 2.0 2019). This workshop seeks to create awareness of leadership opportunities and enhance the ability of URM ecologists to pursue and join leadership positions in ecology.

In recent years, the ESA leadership and community have addressed multiple barriers to diversity through its policies, programs, and practices. URM ecologists are exposed to many micro and macro-aggressions that hamper their ability to successfully lead and express their vision and opinions. Studies show that the structure and culture of many organizations are barriers to authentic inclusion. During this workshop, we will highlight the characteristics of inclusive organizations that have eliminated or minimized the barriers that diverse leaders face.

We will then focus on 1) How to find/create leadership opportunities? 2) What core skills lead to successful leadership? 3) What strategies can diverse people in leadership positions implement to navigate and implement their vision and objectives? By the end of this workshop, participants will have identified core leadership skills, potential leadership positions, and joined a community of URM ecologists in support of their leadership endeavors.