East Side Women Leaders Initiative

Women leaders are critical for a healthy community. Women in leadership need spaces for connection, reflection, sharing and learning together. These spaces decrease the isolation and burnout that many women face - especially women who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color. The East Side Saint Paul Women Leaders Initiative is a leadership development cohort created to meet these needs.

The research is clear that women in leadership are critical for a healthy community. Yet women burn out and leave both formal and informal leadership roles too frequently. This is especially true for women who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color. Rooted Philanthropic spent several months listening to East Side women leaders, which resulted in the development of this 1-year initiative.

We have contracted with Courageous Change Collective to lead and facilitate this year-long initiative.

We encourage women to apply who have leadership experience, whether formal or informal. You don’t need to have an official title to be a leader. Consider applying if you are someone who is:

Working to strengthen your neighborhood or the East Side community
Bringing people together to take action in the East Side community
Playing a leadership role in your organization on the East Side

Cohort Activities

The East Side Saint Paul Women Leaders Initiative cohort is designed in response to the voices of women leaders on the East Side of Saint Paul. These women were hungry for a space that would offer wellness activities, networking opportunities and leadership skill-building. Participants in the cohort will have an opportunity to help shape the cohort experience and content. Cohort activities take place over a 12-month period and will include:

Launch Gathering will kick-off the cohort journey and gather participant feedback about program design.
Opening Day-Long Retreat focuses on relationship building, creating space for each cohort member to share about themselves and their work with the group, and begins the process of identifying goals for their cohort experience.
Monthly Cohort Gatherings focused on relationship building and peer learning; 2-3 hours in length.
Mid-year Weekend Retreat – provides an opportunity to get away, relax, connect with the other women, and explore timely topics.
Financial Resources to support each cohort participant’s personal leadership and/or wellness needs – $3,000 per participant

There is no cost to join, only a commitment to participate in all cohort activities, along with an open mind and heart.

Cohorts are generally facilitated annually. To be notified about our next cohort application, please reach out to [email protected] or Patrick Troska at [email protected].