ADVANCE: Montgomery Women's Leadership Digest

June 2024

A Message from Leadership

Two years. Writing to meet the newsletter distribution deadline has been a great, yet not always welcome or ready-in-time, challenge for me. I am thankful and appreciative - as you should be - to Althea for bringing this newsletter to fruition and consistency, and she plans to continue doing so as we transition to a new Board leadership and term. I will most likely be enlisted to write another column or two in the months and years ahead, yet I leave that request to our wonderful incoming President - Ijeoma Enendu - after her official confirmation by member vote at our Annual Meeting on June 9. If you are a member, please be there.

I'm not going far as my new Board position will become Immediate Past-President. My goal will be to support and assist both the organization and our new Board slate. As we transition leadership we intend for Montgomery Women to evolve and grow rather than "change".

I'll share a 2023-24 "State of the Organization" summation at our Annual Meeting. The bullet points of which I am most proud include:

Continuing to fine-tune processes and operating procedures made possible through our upgraded website.
Creating connection consistency through our continued "First Fridays Power Breakfasts" and newer "W(h)ine-Down Wednesday" Happy-Hour Networking events.
Having a more-focused development process promoting our Montgomery College scholarship fund.
Obtaining and upgrading MW promotional materials including written and swag items.
Continuing a quality monthly newsletter with an expanding distribution reach.
Witnessing real business and social referrals taking place between members.
Growing our diverse membership demographics.
Expanding our programs for greater awareness of and collaboration with other organizations that align with our mission.
Retaining our legacy and history while exploring new ideas.

There's more to be done, and I'm excited to remain engaged and active in a supporting role rather than "in front". Since I'm an early riser, you will still see me consistently at our breakfasts. And I might even gain new bandwidth to facilitate a leadership program within the year! Thank you - to all of you - for your support, encouragement, and enthusiasm of having me as your President. It has been an honor leading women who, themselves, are leaders making things happen in their organizations across all sectors of our county and beyond!

Sylvia Henderson

President, 2023-2024 (Until June 9!)

Member Spotlights

Clara Fang

Founder & CEO,

Green Tara Consulting

Clara has twenty years of experience working at the intersection of climate and racial justice. Her work includes researching the root causes of climate injustice, conducting trainings and workshops on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and advancing climate policy through grassroots organizing and advocacy.

As a strategic thinker and communicator, she has led climate and sustainability planning for higher education institutions, local government, and corporate businesses. Her work with BIPOC environmental advocates centers racial healing, somatic self-care, and personal empowerment. Clara has also been a mindfulness meditator for over twenty years and her spiritual practice is rooted in Buddhist and Wiccan traditions.

Lynne Harris

At-Large Member, Montgomery County Board of Education

Lynne is a dot-connector who brings her extensive and broad experience as a nurse, lawyer, public health expert and teacher to her Board work. She currently serves as vice president of the Board; the chairperson of the Board's Fiscal Management Committee; is a member of the Board's Strategic Planning and Special Populations Committees; and serves as the Board's representative to the Maryland Association of Boards of Education's (MABE) Finance Committee and the Resolutions Committee.

Her mission as a member of the Board of Education is to empower others to understand their influence and power - and to encourage young people to run for office so that the next generation is at the policy-making table.

Quick Tips

For the Everyday Leader

Studies have shown that what leaders say and do makes up to a 70% difference as to whether an individual reports feeling included. The consistent practice of inclusive leadership is critical for building equitable organizations. Research conducted by Korn Ferry found that inclusive leaders share a cluster of signature traits:

Visible commitment: Articulating authentic commitment to DEI, challenging the status quo, holding others accountable.

Humility: Being modest about capabilities and creating space for others to contribute.

Awareness of bias: Showing awareness of personal blind spots, flaws in the system, and working hard to ensure a meritocracy.

Curiosity about others: Demonstrating an open mindset and deep curiosity about others and listening with empathy and without judgment.

Cultural intelligence: Being attentive to others’ cultures and adapting as required.

Effective collaboration: Empowering others, paying attention to diversity of thinking and psychological safety, and focusing on team cohesion.

Key Updates

Montgomery Women Board Slate

In accordance with our organization's bylaws, all members have been emailed the proposed slate of board members prior to the Annual Meeting. This advance review period will enable you to make informed decisions during the voting process. Members will receive an additional email with the board slate this week. Any questions or comments may be directed to Jennifer Russel, Governance Committee Chair.

Launching Future Leaders

Since 2008, Montgomery Women members have contributed more than $100,000 to help 85 women complete their education at Montgomery College. This is the first step in helping women launch their careers and advance as leaders.

This year, 100% of our board members already have pledged and started us out on a path to our $9,000 goal, which we can reach by June 30th with your help.

What makes this goal within reach is that your caring contribution will be matched by Carol Trawick through her Foundation! Your gift will have double the impact. With your support today, you can break down barriers to education, empower women to reach their full potential, and create a more equitable and inclusive world for all.

A gift of any amount makes a difference. Learn more about donating on our website.