My dearly departed friend Marie Shevock had a saying when she advised someone to get a clue — “Get a bike and come to town,” she would say.
It has taken way too long for the world — especially the male-dominated world — to not just recognize, but fairly reward and accommodate women in the workplace, the community and the board room.
But times have certainly changed — for the better — since the 1960s and 1970s, thanks to the efforts of organizations such as the National Organization of Women and the efforts of all who were leaders of the women’s liberation movement.
But it has been struggle. Progress has been made and more and more women today are assuming positions of leadership and women are — albeit slowly — seeing much more fair treatment in the business world.
That’s why I was thrilled to see the announcement last week of “Amplify,” a new program created that will cater to the leadership development of women in various stages of their careers.
Jessica Cronauer, executive director of Leadership Northeast, on Wednesday said Amplify will, well, “amplify” women’s strengths and leadership capabilities.
Leadership Northeast’s “Amplify” program as being billed as a premier women’s leadership certificate program that is the first of its kind in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Good for Leadership Northeast for doing this.
The group of 30 women are in for a quality program and an awesome learning experience..
“Historically, leadership programs in general have not been designed to address the unique experience of women in the workforce,” Cronauer said last week. “This program will address that.”
Dr. Christine Kiesinger of CEK Communication, one of the organizers, said the Amplify program took about five years to finalize.
“Women have natural strengths and intuition that really bode well for positions of leadership,” Kiesinger said. “Call it emotional intelligence. Women have the qualities necessary to become great leaders.”
Emotional intelligence, eh? Well, take it from one male who has suffered for years from a lack of “emotional intelligence,” this is a class I would like to take and recommend other men to as well.
Another organizer, Lindsay Griffin-Boylan, President/CEO at Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce, said as more women emerge as leaders, the Amplify program will help them fulfill their potential.
“We want to encourage women to seek opportunities for career advancement,” Griffin-Boylan said. “We will help provide them with the tools needed to accomplish their goals and we will help them build the confidence through a network that will help take them to the next level.”
Cronauer said Amplify is a powerhouse collaboration” between Leadership Northeast, the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce Elevate Women’s Network, and Dr. Kiesinger of CEK Communication.
So what will this program do?
In six dynamic half-day sessions held at women-run businesses throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, the class of 30 women will:
• Gain strategies and tools to support you in your unique leadership journey;
• Build effective networks and create opportunities to develop professional relationships through a community of practice model, mentorships and sponsorships with other women leaders;
• Develop solutions to address the unique challenges women face in the workforce;
• Learn to navigate complex leadership and career patterns while maintaining personal relationships and responsibilities.
Participants will work to identify the unique strengths and values that enhance their leadership style and explore integrative and collaborative solutions to meeting women’s day to day leadership challenges.
This is just what NEPA and beyond needs. We need more women to get involved. We need them to assume leadership positions in business, education, public service and community.
And men should not fear this — they should welcome the entire concept.
It’s happening. Let it happen more.
And we all will live in a better world.
Like Mrs. Shevock said, “Get a bike and come to town.”