by Vani Tangella, Cohort 12
Embarking on the journey of self-discovery and deep equity work can be both challenging and enlightening. Our recent Leadership Development Resource/Grant project provided a unique opportunity for members to better understand how they navigate cultural differences and conflicts. Through a series of personalized assessments, trauma-informed coaching sessions, and thoughtful debriefing, participants embarked on a path that many found to be a meaningful reality check and an affirmation of the lifelong nature of equity and inclusion work.
The project’s alignment with BECLN’s values of equity, leadership development, and connection was evident throughout the process. It underscored the importance of creating spaces where members can explore their vulnerabilities and strengths in a supportive environment. One of the most compelling outcomes of this project was the level of openness and readiness to engage that participants brought to the table. It’s a testament to the commitment of the BECLN members to their personal and professional development. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of survey respondents finding the experience meaningful and advocating for its continuation. The feedback underscored the project’s impact on fostering self-awareness, facilitating difficult conversations, and contributing to ongoing equity and leadership journeys.
Trauma-informed sessions created space of reflection, curiosity, and action:
“I appreciated the space to talk and make meaning together. I appreciated the guiding questions and reminder to listen/pay attention to what’s happening in my body and let that lead to more realizations.”
All survey respondents recommended that this opportunity be repeated for others in BECLN:
“Equity and leadership are journeys and there is no ending to what is to be learned. Framing my approach to conflict and intercultural competence has been so helpful and only scratched the surface. If we are truly a network full of change agents then personal reflection and conversations such as these are imperative for a group of leaders.”
We’ve also gleaned some valuable lessons. Time constraints were a notable challenge, highlighting the need for adjustments in future iterations of this project. Suggestions include extending the introduction and debriefing sessions, spacing out the coaching sessions to allow for deeper reflection, and providing clearer explanations of the trauma-informed coaching approach. These changes aim to improve the overall experience, ensuring that participants not only engage more deeply but also apply their insights more effectively in their everyday lives and work.