170. Rebecca Achurch, Kelli Baxter, Carlos Cardenas, and Diana Lee Tucker, on the Continuing Importance of Community Groups

What happens when you gather four leaders representing distinct, identity-based association communities? You get a bold conversation about visibility, representation, and creating spaces where people feel they truly belong.In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda sat down with four Association Community Group leaders:Rebecca Achurch, Chair of Association Women Technology Champions (AWTC)Kelli Baxter, Vice President of Black Association Executives (BAE)Carlos Cardenas, President of Association LatinosDiana Lee Tucker, Chair of Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Association Community They discuss:How each of their organizations was formed out of a need for community and visibility.The power of representation and why identity-specific mentoring matters.Why cultural proximity helps build confidence and unlock leadership potential.Their commitment to allyship and how they've collaborated across groups.The importance of welcoming allies into their communities to foster inclusion.Innovative programs, like peer mentoring and CAE funding, that uplift emerging leaders.Challenges around growth and sustaining energy as founders transition out of leadership.The importance of financial sustainability and succession planning for long-term impact.Their hopes to inspire association CEOs to create similar communities within their industries.Why now is not the time to back away from DEI-focused spaces, despite current headwinds.References:AWTC WebsiteBAE WebsiteAssociation Latinos WebsiteAANHPI Association Community Page