When Women Become Leaders

• For Christian Working Women
• March 28, 2019
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The story about how I became a leader in my community is fascinating.

My first role was when I started as a volunteer providing support for students and families to learn more about financial literacy. I helped people understand how to get into college and how to pay for college with financial aid, student loans, and scholarships. I made sure to provide services across the region where I lived to youth groups, parent groups, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits.

The second way that I got involved in my leadership position in my community was through the support of a mentor. I sought out several people to help guide me with my personal and professional development. Some suggested corporate roles. Other suggested community advocacy. Still, others thought that I had a career in politics which led to the opportunity when I ran for a successful seat on the Sacramento City School board. Having mentors have always been an important part of my personal success but also part of my growth and development.

Finally, the third way that I became a leader in my community was by asking about leadership opportunities. I asked people in various non-profit groups and community organizations about openings for leadership positions. Some shared that there were opportunities that were vacant, and others hinted that vacancies might be forthcoming. So, I drilled down and learned about how I might fit the requirements.

Interestingly, in recent years I sharpened my skills, read books and took training on styles and implementation strategies, and became a certified leadership practitioner. That led me to write books and the service and commitment I have today to develop other leaders.

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Dawn McCoy

Dawn McCoy is a leadership strategist, nationally-recognized speaker, consultant, and author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider's Guide to Success, Effective Community Engagement, and several other books and learning tools. She is the founder of Flourish Leadership Group, LLC, leadership development and communications firm dedicated to propelling leaders to their next level. Through her leadership systems, she shares her experiences as a former nonprofit executive, a gubernatorial appointee, and elected Sacramento School Board Trustee. Dawn sits on several national and local boards and she has received awards for her community endeavors. Dawn holds a bachelor’s degree from Howard University, a master’s degree from Georgetown University where she was a Bryce Harlow Scholar, and she is a certified Connective Leadership Institute leadership practitioner.

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• When Women Become Leaders - March 28, 2019