Funded by the New Hanover Community Endowment, LIC has completed its first program cohort with an outstanding 21 graduates. 

The YWCA Lower Cape Fear proudly announces the successful completion of its groundbreaking 10-month cohort program: LIC, Leadership for Inclusive Communities. Funded by the NHC Endowment, LIC is a leadership program for senior leaders in the non-profit, public, and business sectors that equips both individuals and organizations to influence for diversity, inclusion, and equity. The program provides a deep journey in personal development and community building and is also focused on organizational and community change.

Through our program, representatives from twelve local companies received comprehensive training and resources aimed at strengthening equity in the workplace and advocating for inclusivity. Designed to address the pressing need for inclusive leadership in today's corporate and community environment, participants engaged in interactive sessions focused on DEI best practices, cultural competency, and collaboration. With 21 individuals graduating from the program, the transformative journey has empowered them to navigate complex DEI challenges, promote inclusivity, and effect positive change in their workplaces and communities.

“Participating in Leadership for Inclusive Communities was a truly enlightening experience for me. It felt like embarking on a therapeutic journey that encouraged self-reflection, empathy, and collaboration among community leaders," says Chakema Clinton-Quintana, VP- Director, Channel Powered by Live Oak Bank. 

“LIC was one of the best leadership experiences that I have been a part of in the last 20 years. It was the first time that I missed a group of people so much if I missed a session, and by the way I only missed one… I believe that this [influential] leadership training is probably more necessary in this environment than ever before,” says Frankie Roberts, Co-Founder and Director of LINC, Inc.

“The inaugural Leadership for Inclusive Communities has been a remarkable engagement for community leaders and vested partners, laying a foundation to help unlock more of the potential we all yearn to realize locally,” says Kevin Briggs, Senior Director- Laboratory & Respiratory Care Services, Health Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at Novant Health-Coastal Market.

LIC not only provided participants with valuable knowledge and skills but also built a supportive community of professionals committed to driving meaningful impact. Through collaborative learning and shared experiences, members formed lasting connections and developed a powerful network of friends and advocates dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

“I enjoyed my experience in the first cohort of the LIC program.  Thanks to the YWCA, LIC exposed me to more inclusive leadership skills.  Even more impactful for me, I developed deeper relationships with individuals in our community who are doing amazing things,” says Natalie English, President & CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce.  

“The LIC program provided a self-awareness toolkit that I will be leveraging in my personal and professional life… LIC was a high impact program that helped to not only inform but create space to be vulnerable with others that do not necessarily come from a place I come from. The friendships and support I shared with local leaders is something I will cherish for years to come,” says Tom Eggelston, SVP- Head of People at Live Oak Bank. 

“[LIC has] been one of the most valuable leadership experiences I have had in my 25 years of public service; connecting me to others who care deeply about the world around us and having the courage to see one another, connecting to experiences outside of our own lives and seeing how to better our ability to lead and serve in our own direct lines,” says Bo Dean, Senior Human Resource Analyst at New Hanover County.

As the inaugural cohort concludes, LIC remains dedicated to supporting companies in their journey toward building more inclusive workplaces and creating equitable communities. With plans to expand and enhance its programming in the future. 

Betsy Kahn, owner of Copycat Print Shop had this to add, “By repeatedly continuing the program with new participants, the positive impact becomes systemic thereby spreading into our community and enlightening those around us, raising awareness levels and hopefully making our part of the world a better place to live.”

For more information about LIC and its future program cohorts, please contact Velva Jenkins at velva@ywca-lowercapefear.org

Chakema Clinton-Quintana