S3E15: Embracing Growth as a Leader

In this intimate discussion, three alumni participants of the Black Woman Leading ELEVATE  cohort (Latoya Butler, Kendra Thomas, and Meghen Demons) share their stories of growth throughout their leadership journey. They share the "growing pains" they endured and resources that helped them to overcome as they navigate their careers as Black women leaders working in both corporate and non-profit spaces.  Additionally, our brilliant alums share their experience in the Black Woman Leading program.   In our rich discussion, we talk about the importance of finding (and using) your voice, acknowledging your growth areas and making plans to improve them, setting and maintaining boundaries, pruning our relationships to get to our next level, and so much more.   Join us, reflect, and celebrate your own growth as a Black Woman Leading! Guest Bios:   Latoya Butler, Energy Services Program Director, CEDA   Latoya Butler is the Director of the Energy Services Department at the Community Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA). She has served as Director for 7 years of her 14 year tenure at CEDA. As the Director of the largest federally and state funded utility assistance programs in Illinois, she has proven to be a solutions-driven leader dedicated to working on behalf of the low income residents of Cook County. Latoya has an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Master's in Human Resources from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.   Connect with Latoya on LinkedIn.   Meghen Demons, Senior Program Manager, Learning & Development, Remitly   Meghen is a proud wife and mother of  two. She is a SHRM Certified Professional with 10 years of experience developing and implementing strategies and programs to support the strategic human capital business goals of attracting, retaining, and developing the best talent. In her spare time she enjoys sewing, reading, and reviving her plants.   Connect with Meghen on LinkedIn   Kendra Thomas, Chief of Administration and Finance, Office of the City Clerk, City of Chicago   Kendra Thomas is a trusted business resource and community outreach expert with vast experience developing community strategies, serving as a small business liaison to state initiatives, offering mentorship to at-risk youth within the Chicagoland area, and managing diverse workforces. She is known for delivering excellent and transformational service in fast-paced environments with the skillset to develop programs, oversee projects, orchestrate development and training, and maintain clear stakeholder communications.    Currently, Kendra serves as the Chief Administration and Finance Officer at the Office of the City Clerk. In this role, Kendra guides the financial planning, hiring and workplace culture initiatives for the office.    Connect with Kendra on LinkedIn   Resources:   We are now enrolling for the next Black Woman Leading® progra that starts on January 30, 2023. Learn more at http://blackwomanleading.com/program/ Credits: Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: [email protected] Connect with Laura on LinkedIn Follow BWL on LinkedIn Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights  Graphics: Olayinka Ajibola Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Podbay