Leadership Lessons & Advice:

      • The most valuable leadership lesson I’ve learned is that there is a difference between a leader and a boss.  I never want to be a boss, I flourish and my teams flourish when I remember who I am as leader, as a human being and as a woman in leadership.  I will never be able to have my teams follow me anywhere with a boss mentality, but as a leader, someone who guides, who is empathetic, who advocates and pursues their best interest then we can all go together as a team.” – Awilda Gonzalez, Director of Chicagoland WIOA Programs

     

      • I have two leadership lessons that I believe are most valuable: 1. Listening to colleagues/team members is vital to the success of any team.  While you may not always agree with their point of view or accept the suggestions, it is important to listen to thoughts/ideas of others and being respectful of those suggestions., and 2. Never respond to a challenging issue or situation in haste.  Take a few minutes/hours (if possible) to collect your thoughts before responding so that the information you provide is clear and accurate. – Donna Claxton, Director, ACI/IT Career Lab and SNAP Intermediary Programs

     

      • My advice to young women aspiring to break barriers in their industry is to own your voice, embrace challenges, and build a strong network. Confidence comes from preparation and persistence, so never underestimate your expertise or hesitate to speak up. Seek mentors who inspire you, but also be a mentor to others as you grow. Advocate for yourself, take risks, and don’t let setbacks define your journey—use them as learning opportunities. Most importantly, lift others as you climb because true success is measured not just by your achievements but by the doors you open for those who follow.  – Alejandra Sinecio, Chief Program Officer

     

      • The most valuable leadership lesson I learned (early on in my career) is to adopt a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. Being an adaptable leader creates opportunities for development and growth. As leadership evolves, a leader needs to be flexible and develop the ability to embrace and learn from the new challenges and demands that arise. – Maria Mendoza-Pepin, Director, Human Resources

     

      • I was inspired to pursue a leadership role by the desire to create a positive impact in my community and foster collaboration among team members. I’ve had opportunities throughout my career to observe effective leaders who motivated and guided their teams toward success. This highlighted for me the difference strong leadership can make while also instilling in me the belief that leadership is not just about making decisions, but also about empowering others, supporting their growth, and encouraging open communication. I wanted to embody these qualities and help to cultivate an environment where all team members thrive and contribute their best. – Heather Brooks, Program Director, WIOA