This is the first in a series of blog posts featuring the graduates of the LGBTQ Community Leadership Pipeline. Check back for future installments of the series.
In July, the Office of LGBT Affairs celebrated the culmination of its first-ever LGBTQ Community Leadership Pipeline with a closing ceremony. There were 20 extraordinary graduates of the inaugural cohort, all of whom were successfully matched with local organizations serving members of the LGBTQ community.
The Office could not be more proud of each of them. In support of their accomplishments, the Office is sharing the participants’ stories here over the next few months.
Shara Dae Howard
Organization: William Way LGBT Community Center
What is one thing you have taken from the Leadership Pipeline that you have implemented in your new position?
I feel my personal mission and the mission of William Way are perfectly aligned and have no doubt that together we will all do great things to benefit those who we need it most within our communities.
As 2019 begins to come to a close, what are you most looking forward to working on in 2020?
My recently acquired position on the William Way Board of Directors has been a very good experience thus far. I received a warm welcome onto the board. Although, I’ve only attended one board meeting, committee meetings have filled my time as well. It’s been made clear to me that my time is valued and my contributions are appreciated. New Member Orientation is next week and I will be given more insight into what will be expected of me and how I can contribute best.
Brenda Zenoka
Organization: Philadelphia Family Pride
What is one thing you have taken from the Leadership Pipeline that you have implemented in your new position?
I have attended one board meeting, and what I have taken from the Leadership Pipeline is to be open and unbiased with new information.
What is one lesson that you’ve learned since you’ve started in your new role?
I receive a lot of emails related to events happening with PFP, and to avoid getting overwhelmed I set aside time each week to view and respond to these emails.
Kaleb Aronson
Organization: Therapy Center of Philadelphia
What is one thing you have taken from the Leadership Pipeline that you have implemented in your new position?
The Leadership Pipeline taught me that part of being an effective board member is thinking about organizations on a macro level. Having worked mostly in direct service with people, I was used to thinking on an individual basis rather than an organizational one. Gaining that foundational knowledge from the Leadership Pipeline has helped me to better understand my role as a board member at The Therapy Center of Philadelphia (TCP).
What is one lesson that you’ve learned since you’ve started in your new role?
I’ve learned so many things at TCP so far, and I have yet to even attend my first board meeting. I have been so impressed by how TCP is intentionally working towards gender equity and anti-racism within the organization, and I am humbled to be a part of such an amazing team.
Kai Thigpen
Organization: William Way LGBT Community Center
What is one thing you have taken from the Leadership Pipeline that you have implemented in your new position?
Our discussions in the Pipeline program relating to communication skills are serving me well as a board member. The thoughtfulness in our sessions around finances and various ways to contribute will also be of use to me moving forward.
As 2019 begins to come to a close, what are you most looking forward to working on in 2020?
Looking toward 2020, I am excited to be involved in development and planning at William Way while providing trauma-informed therapy to LGBTQ+ communities.
