08/08/2016
Coaching Circles Help Women Connect, Grow, and Learn
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In January, Women’s Philanthropy launched Coaching Circles, a leadership development program aimed to offer women a supportive and motivating environment to connect through meaningful conversations and peer coaching. Coaching Circles was created to give participants an opportunity to work with seasoned lay leaders to help enhance leadership skills and talents. This program has enabled women to establish new relationships, learn skills related to leadership, develop in an area that is a current challenge related to a career or community volunteerism, and learn about the Federation.
Each “circle” accommodated up to six participants and one mentor. Each session took place for 90 minutes, once a month, for six months. Meetings included topics around building trust, leadership communication and its impact, asking tough questions, emotional self-awareness, and assessing, reflecting and prioritizing various aspects of life (family, community, work, religion, money, health, and personal growth). In addition to the assigned content, the peer coaching portion was notably encouraging and inspiring for many on a leadership track.
“It was an honor to have been included in the inaugural class of Coaching Circle participants,” said Hallie Bram Kogelschatz, Coaching Circle participant. “My circle was made up of absolutely extraordinary women who all seemed to grow professionally and personally from the experience. I'm thankful to have connected with each of them in such a meaningful way and would encourage others to invite an experience like this into their lives as it is available!”
Michele Weiss, a participant in a different Coaching Circle, said, “The Coaching Circles experience had a profound impact on me and the members of my group. I do not believe many women have an outlet to express their accomplishments, fears, or succession plans with other like-minded women. The head of my Coaching Circle became not just a mentor but a friend.”
Coaching Circles was created in partnership with Jennifer Cohen, Women’s Philanthropy’s Leadership Development Chair. Jennifer’s vision and professional skillset has enabled us to connect, grow, learn, and advance leadership related to a career, community volunteerism, or work/life balance, all to identify ways we can enhance our engagement and involvement – today and in the future. Thank you, Jennifer!
We also thank all of our Coaching Circles participants, and our mentors, Beth Wain Brandon, Reneé Chelm, Bonnie Marks, Enid Rosenberg, Sally Wertheim and Sandy Wuliger.
Registration for the 2017 series will open this fall. Click Here to be added to the interested waitlist. This program is able to place up to 35 women who agree to commit a minimum gift of $365 or more to the 2018 Campaign for Jewish Needs.
