Leaning on Each Other to Lead Together
Class four of the WKKF Community Leadership Network kicked off in February with its first in-person gathering in Battle Creek, Michigan. This fellowship brings together 80 dynamic leaders in local communities and the national child- and family-serving ecosystem to connect, grow and lead collaborative, transformational change on behalf of children, families and communities.
As part of the program, each fellow has the opportunity to choose an accountability partner from a different geographical cohort to walk alongside them throughout the fellowship. At this year’s first in-person gathering in Battle Creek, we spoke to several accountability partners as they started their journeys together. Learn how the fellows are thinking about the importance of accountability in leadership and what they imagine for their relationship over the next 18 months and beyond.
Rodrigo Rodriguez and Darrin McCall
“One of the things that I’ve learned in this work is that it’s so relational.”
In one of their first interactions, both Darrin and Rodrigo noted the importance of having a partner who can keep you honest to your values and goals. They reflected on strong relationships being a core tenet of community work and the need to establish a “comfortable trust” in order for those relationships to be effective.
Libbie Sonnier and Rebecca Spann
“Who I work for are the children; so in order to stay accountable to them, I need people around me to call me higher.”
What initially drew them together was the similar way both self-identify as “disruptors”. Both Libbie and Rebecca explained that accountability is essential to remaining aligned with your values, along with focusing on the people you ultimately serve.
holly jo Sparks and Shanée Garner
“I think this helps me step into leadership in a way that allows me to have back up.”
Both holly and Shanée reflected on their excitement to have an accountability partner who may hold a different perspective and how that will ultimately support their leadership development. They are anticipating their diverse perspectives and experiences will open them to new ideas and ways of doing and being.