It is hard to believe that a little over one year ago, the sawomenlead.com and #wlsalt hashtag came to life. Born from loose connections at the 2011 Women’s Leadership Institute, the seven of us realized the need for a community space to share our lives.
We are in awe of the community that now exists – beyond what we could have ever expected, hoped for, or imagined. As a community, we have supported, affirmed, lifted, and transformed each other through unexpected victories and equally painful losses in our personal and professional lives.
It is appropriate that we pause and reflect on who we are as women, leaders, partners, colleagues, and sisters during this time of introspection. Some of lessons for us over the past year: Be fearless. Lift as you lead. Listen. Vulnerability. Thumping. Impacts of toxic competition. Authenticity. Honesty. During a recent #wlsalt sisters conference call, it was honesty that prompted this blog post. Because we are in the middle of so many competing priorities, we struggled with our goals for sawomenled.com and the #wlsalt hashtag.
The question that plagued us: Where we go from here?
Our answer was a bit of a surprise.
It is no longer just ours to decide.
As members of the #wlsalt community, we need to hear your voices for this space, for this community which is no longer ours alone.
- What are your hopes for the #wlsalt community, what does you want and need it to become?
- What strengths do you bring as you support, affirm, lift and transform others lives?
- How do you contribute to the #wlsalt community, what would you like to contribute in the future?
- What #wlsalt role do you want to play?
Take your seat at the table. Speak. We are listening.
Mary Jo, Amber, Teri, Niki, Deb, Carolyn, and Julie
