Sister Leader Circles

To walk fast, walk alone. To walk far, walk together.

African proverb

Our world is changing in profound ways, and leaders are faced with challenges they could not have imagined. This is especially true for women leaders and other change agents who are navigating heightened complexity while working to create systemic change in their communities, organizations and beyond in service of creating a more equitable, inclusive and just world. 

Founded by Vernice Jones, Sister Leader Circles is a ten-session cohort program held over the course of a year. It aims to support the growth and development of leaders who are doing incredible work within their worlds. The Circle provides a sacred space and sisterhood to support one another in nourishing and life altering ways, and is designed to amplify members’ impact.

Leaders meet virtually to learn, connect and explore real leadership challenges in community. During the first half of the program, the Circle explores topics such as navigating complexity and the dynamics of power and rank. During the second half of the Circle experience, the sessions become virtual ‘Sister Leader Salons,' where each session features one Sister Leader navigating a real world challenge.

What are Leader Circles? 

Leader Circles are intimate spaces where people who are facing similar challenges or growth edges can be in community together.

Deeply enriching, circlew members meet to:

  • address specific clanges and expriences

  • make meaning together

  • be a resource for each other

  • become part of a collective and ongoing place of support

Program Goals 

Sister Leader Circles are designed to:

  • Strengthen capacity to live and lead amidst uncertainty, volatility, and complexity

  • Advance, support, and resource work with a network of leaders

  • Deepen self-awareness and support others to do the same

  • Further develop Sister Leaders’ leadership in the world

  • Create a safe space for belonging and sisterhood

How Our Community Helps

Annually in September, all current and past Sister Leader Circle participants are invited to participate in a multi-day, in-person retreat designed to increase leadership skills, deepen relationships, and provide opportunities to collaborate and amplify their work as leaders. When one of our incredible leaders of social impact organizations with limited budgets does not have the personal or organizational funding to travel to the Greater Washington region to participate in the gathering, we ask sponsors to support a ‘Sister Leader Journey’ to the event.

Leadership Development Webinars for Alumni

As an alumni of the ten-session cohort program, leaders gain access to a series of expert-led webinars thoughtfully designed to enrich their leadership journey. Guided by seasoned industry experts, these sessions offer not only personal stories and valuable insights, but also practical strategies for tackling the challenges and complexity of leadership. Key topics include Fundraising Basics and Strategy, and Effective Board Leadership & CEO/ED-Board Relations. 

Connect With Vernice

Expand awareness and learn practices to help you expand your impact.