Welcome to the first edition
of the WOCEC newsletter!
I want to express my gratitude to you, our members, graduates, and allies. We “see” you out there working tirelessly. Your passion and commitment are evident.
WOCEC is a national nonprofit founded in 2021 with the goal of creating a diverse and thriving network of women leaders. We do this by offering professional development programs that enhance executive skills, building strong connections among members, and providing self-care and wellness strategies for women of color who are leading education and nonprofit spaces.
We are engaged in this work because of our commitment and responsibility to raise the voices, experiences, and brilliance of women of color who are leading some of our most important institutions in the world—our pre-K-16 educational systems and nonprofit organizations.
Leadership is critical within education and nonprofit organizations and so is your well-being and need for community. It is exciting to see so many organizations like WOCEC emerging and philanthropists like Melinda French Gates, MacKenzie Scott, and the team at the Fearless Fund, along with many others who are working to eliminate barriers to opportunities and to lift up the voices of women and minoritized groups.
Funding is needed to support and advance organizations doing this work and WOCEC is grateful to our early funders, including NewSchools Venture Fund and Carnegie Corporation of New York.
What can you expect from the WOCEC?
- Support for you in your chosen work of education and nonprofit leadership
- Sisterhood
- Allyship
The WOCEC newsletter will highlight activities and events that you can join; WOCEC participants, relevant research, articles, and books that advance our mission; and insider tips and advice from experts across the field.
How our work impacts you and the communities you serve
By following our organization, you are taking the first step towards staying informed, inspired, and connected. Research is clear that women and diverse women who are leading are having a positive impact on their organizations.
And we would love to hear from you. If you have any suggestions or questions or just want to say “hi,” do not hesitate to reply to this email. Your feedback helps us improve and serve you better.
Please join us and start your journey with other women committed to servant leadership and a life well-lived.
We hope that you share information about the Women of Color Education Collaborative on your social media platforms to advance awareness of our efforts.
In partnership, Stephanie
Stephanie Wood-Garnett, Ed.D., President and CEO
First Annual WOCEC National Conference
Fostering Community, Support & Empowerment
for Women Leaders
Please join us from October 10-12 for the first annual WOCEC National Conference, to be held at the Westin Georgetown in Washington, DC. It will feature a variety of speakers and activities, all focused on creating a thriving network of women of color district superintendents and senior leaders. The program will enhance leadership skills and capacity, foster healing and healthiness, and build strong bonds between participants. See you this October in DC!
Cohort Two Graduation!
It’s graduation season, and the WOCEC held its culminating activity for Cohort 2 of the National Fellowship Program. The WOCEC National Fellowship is a 10-month program designed to provide professional learning and a network for participants. Attendees also included members of Cohort 1, WOCEC executive coaches, and our wellness coach. Congratulations to this brilliant group of leaders who impact 3 million students in the US!
What We’re Reading
I’m Not Yelling: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Workplace: Elizabeth Leiba’s book, published at the end of 2022, is a compelling, insightful guide designed to empower Black women in professional settings. The author addresses the unique challenges Black women face, from microaggressions to systemic biases, offering practical advice and strategies for overcoming these obstacles. The book blends personal anecdotes with research-backed insights, providing readers with tools to assert themselves confidently, advocate for their rights, and thrive in their careers. Leiba’s empathetic and authoritative voice is perfect for anyone seeking to understand and navigate the complexities of workplace dynamics from the perspective of a Black woman. Buy it here.
Over 80% of Women Leaders in Education Experience Bias, Survey Shows: Uyen Tieu, now head of student support services for the Houston Independent School District, was told she was “too petite to be anything but an elementary school principal,” and her own father even concurred with this notion. Tieu is currently still feeling the effects of prejudgments and pressure to perform better than her male counterparts. Like her, the vast majority of female educational leaders experience bias and think often about quitting, feeling like they have to watch how they dress, speak, and act because they are in the spotlight as senior leaders. In a survey of women serving in high-level school positions, the majority emphasized the need for diversity in leadership representation and the strengths that many women bring to the table. Click here to read more.
Giving to the WOCEC
Decades of research show diverse women leaders positively impact organizations and student achievement, yet women of color remain underrepresented in educational leadership. Our mission is to provide a professional learning network that enhances executive skills, builds strong networks, and promotes wellness among women leaders.
Join us in making a difference. Your donation can help us continue to offer these vital programs for diverse women leaders. Click below or use the QR code – and thank you!
