YWCA Women's Leadership Program

YWCA Women's Leadership Program


The focus of the Women’s Leadership Program, a service project of Junior League of Sioux Falls, is to use the personal experiences and skills of volunteer mentors to educate and inspire the protégés. During a two-day retreat and six sessions (January through April), the participants (protégés) will develop an individual success plan that includes personal and professional goals and ways to achieve them. In February 2012, a mentor will be matched with the participant (protégé) to support and guide her through the implementation of her plan during the next year.

Mentors are being sought now through Feb. 16. (.pdf of application)

Mission: To facilitate the development of emerging female leaders by utilizing the experiencesand skills of established women to extend a hand-up to young women who will follow.

Designed by leaders in the community, the YWCA Women’s Leadership Program will help empower women to reach their greatest potential. This unique program is the first of its kind in the area, and features:

  • Developing women leaders to have greater organizational and community impact
  • Personal and professional development
  • Facilitated learning opportunities and discussions led by experienced community leaders
  • Guided development of a Personal Success Plan
  • 12-Month Mentorship to support plan implementation
  • Ongoing networking opportunities

For more information on the program, go to www.ywca-sf.org/leadership or contact Erin Bosch, Director of Women’s Leadership, at YWCA (605.336.3660).

The Retreat is Friday, Jan. 13 (5-9 p.m.) and Saturday, Jan. 14 (8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.); Meet the other participants, explore your Myers-Briggs indicator, learn the details of the leadership program expectations, and hear the personal testimonies of area leaders to start your personal leadership development journey.

Sessions:
I: Developing Your Mona Lisa; Thursday, Jan. 26, 1-5 p.m.; Identify ways to promote yourself, enhance your career and articulate your value.
II: Facts, Figures and Finances; Thursday, Feb. 9, 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Understand financial statements and how to use them, creating personal financial accountability. The evening ends with a power-networking event.
III: Your Community Connection; Saturday, Feb. 25, 8 a.m. – Noon; Learn leadership tools to manage meetings, position yourself in the community and serve on boards. Complete the Emotional Intelligence index.
IV: Leading at Any Level; Tuesday, March 13, 1-5 p.m.; Explore your leadership style, assumed authority and how to manage conflict.
V: You Hold the Keys Thursday, March 29, 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Identify leadership challenges specific to women and how to overcome them, including ethical decision making, empowering other women and women in public policy.
VI: Graduation is Thursday, April 12, 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Present your Personal Success Plan and participate in the graduation ceremony.




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