Hey There
In this season of Thanksgiving, we at Leverette Weekes celebrate the spirit of gratitude. I’m thankful for our team and for our clients who remain steadfast in their commitment to their mission, regardless of shifting political winds.
Leverette Weekes, which was founded more than 50 years ago, endeavors to deliver the same top-notch service, heart and courage as we did in the beginning. We pride ourselves on working with leaders and nonprofits to help them with their external messaging, thought leadership, and strategy. We are grateful that each day we get to do work that we truly believe in.
I’m thankful also for the gift of learning from incredible people like Haben Girma, the first deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School. My colleague Yvonne Judice and I worked with her while producing an event for Global Inclusion Day. I appreciated her reminder that ableism hurts all of us by creating barriers to employment and career advancement; lack of accessibility in public spaces and digital platforms; and through stereotyping that limits people with disabilities from ascending to prominent leadership roles.
(L-R) Meredith Moore, Haben Girma, and Yvonne Judice with Haben’s service dog Mylo
Sometimes it's the little things that get in the way. Haben told us a story about needing lunch menus translated to braille and how not knowing what food was available, which made school that much more challenging. It often fell to her to ask typically abled people what she might be missing in any given situation.
We all need to remember that each of us feels left out at various times in our lives, and it’s up to us to intentionally consider how we can allow everyone to participate, regardless of race, gender, age, or ability.
I was inspired by Haben’s commitment to advocacy and shattering others’ perceptions of what disabled people can do. Her keynote speech included videos of her surfing, salsa dancing, and texting.
As leaders, we must continually challenge ourselves to be open, think differently about how we operate, center on innovation, and ensure our workplaces are welcoming.
Client Wins
In the wake of this month’s election, Black women continue to lend their voices and leadership to change the narrative. November has been filled with Leverette Weekes’ clients making space and being heard.
Amethyst Advisory Group
The week before the presidential election, Shawntera Hardy hosted a DisruptiveDiscourse© readiness workshop for leaders. The interactive experience, Sugar & Strategy, equipped attendees with tools to lead in Disruptive Times Without Sacrificing Yourself. Participants also had the opportunity to make a Kobi sugar scrub for intentional self-care. Shawntera was also recently recognized by the University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning as a distinguished alumnus for making a meaningful social impact and contributing to the greater good.
Shawntera Hardy at Sugar & Strategy Event
BE NOLA
Adrinda Kelly, BE NOLA’s Executive Director, called for an educational reset as we near the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Her op-ed, We’re Not Done Yet, appeared in The Lens.
Photo from BE NOLA’s Black Is Brilliant Institute
MBCRE
MBCRE welcomed Dr. Angela Spranger as its interim managing director. Her DEI expertise and consulting experience will be assets to the organization’s mission to expand opportunity and move towards a just and prosperous state for and with Black Minnesotans.
At the end of October, Tiffani Daniels transitioned from her role as MBCRE’s managing director and, going forward, will serve as chair of the organization’s advisory council. She partnered with Yohuru Williams to write an op-ed in the Star Tribune that examines the state’s position on racial justice as we near the 5th anniversary of George Floyd’s murder.
Dr. Angela Spranger, Interim Managing Director, MBCRE
George Floyd Square (Jeff Wheeler/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Tiffani Daniels Chair, MBCRE Advisory Council
Words Create Wins
Are you or someone you know looking to advance your leadership skills? Email us today at info@leveretteweekes.com to learn more about our Executive Coaching and Leadership Development programs.
Leverette Weekes & Company developed a stellar plan to guide me as I launched a corporate governance consulting practice after a 25-year career with a $ 800M enterprise.
Artis Hampshire Cowan, Leveraged Leadership
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