I see and hear from a lot of leaders these days. I greatly appreciate those with formal leadership titles who are speaking up boldly, but the ones I want to follow aren’t always in high-ranking positions.
✨They’re women who went back to college as adults, becoming role models in their families and now thinking about running for office or becoming community philanthropists
✨They’re organization staff members who support program participants as they grow from feeling unheard to confidently advocating for change.
When I think about the public and not-so-public leaders who inspire me, three qualities stand out:
✔️ Courage—especially when things are uncertain or difficult.
✔️ Risk-taking—even when it could lead to criticism or personal and financial hardship.
✔️ Commitment to inclusion—the kind that recognizes we only rise when we rise together.
Thank you to all who lead with courage, take bold risks, and bring others with you. Whether you lead from the front, behind the scenes, or right alongside others, you help us live our values.
At Radiance, my team and I use data evaluation and planning tools to support organizations and funders who lead with, by, and for communities.
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