Chapman University's Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics has been selected as an inclusive innovation hub for Orange County with support from an Accelerate California CalOSBA (ACC CA) grant. The Leatherby Center, in collaboration with the Brea Chamber of Commerce, supports the transformational initiative Women Rising Leadership Academy (WRLA).
“The Leatherby Center is a major sponsor of this women's workforce development program, which focuses on mentoring mid-career women to advance to upper echelons in the companies they work for.” Leatherby Center Director Dr. Cynthia West said. Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics, Associate Professor. “The focus of the ACC CA grant is on advancing women, female founders, people of color, veterans, and other underserved communities, so the Women Rising Leadership Academy aligns perfectly with our purpose. It matches.”
WRLA is committed to addressing the underrepresentation of women in top leadership. Through a series of dynamic and targeted workshops, participants will gain valuable insights and strategies to overcome career barriers.
“I learned not to copy other people's leadership styles,” said Sierra McCoy, a WRLA participant. She says, “If you try to be a leader like them, you might actually be holding yourself back.”
WRLA is comprised of eight intensive workshops, each designed to address specific challenges hindering women's progress. The 2023-2024 WRLA Cohort is comprised of 75 working women and female executives who receive one-on-one coaching from experienced executive coaches to advance their careers.
“Helping mid-career women advance to leadership positions in Orange County is just one of our noble goals associated with the CalOSBA grant Accelerate California,” West said. . “Our partnership with the Brea Chamber of Commerce is an invaluable part of our overall strategy.”
Lacey Shawn, president and CEO of the Brea Chamber of Commerce and founder of WRLA, emphasized championing diversity as a fundamental practice of modern business strategy.
“Gender diversity is a modern business strategy,” says Shane. “I have dedicated much of my career to helping working women overcome barriers, including founding WRLA. We are proud to partner with Chapman University's Leatherby Center on this important issue.”