In a world that often glorifies individual achievement and leadership, it is essential to recognize the value and power of collective leadership within communities of color. While the dominant narrative focuses on lone trailblazers as leaders, we believe that true transformation and lasting change arise from the strength of shared wisdom and community support. For leaders within communities of color, the journey to leadership is often accompanied by navigating complex systems of power, privilege, and oppression. These leaders bring a wealth of experience, resilience, and insight that are invaluable in shaping a more just and equitable world. However, the path can also be isolating, as they may face unique challenges that are not always understood or addressed in traditional leadership development spaces.

Throughout my years facilitating the Transformational Leaders Program [TLP] a theme kept coming up, around belonging and support. You see, communities of color face unique challenges in leadership roles, including systemic barriers,not seeing themselves in the rooms they enter, and lack of access to support like mentors, sponsors and 1:1 coaching. I know this is not new information to many of you. But in true UCC fashion we wanted to disrupt these experiences and reimagine something new.

During the summer of 2024 as we prepared for our 10th TLP cohort, we wanted to address this challenge. This is when I floated the idea of Wisdom Weavers. We would dedicate time each session for a structured group of 4-5 people to provide mutual mentorship. We provided a framework which included community agreements, roles for each person and tools to support their conversations. These groups provided a space for people to unpack issues, wonderings or curiosities, it provided them the same group of people to go deep with each session.

The traditional view of leadership often erases the contributions and experiences of communities of color. It perpetuates a dominant culture narrative that overlooks the unique strengths and perspectives that these communities bring to the table. Leadership is not just about individual success; it’s about creating impact within a broader ecosystem. Opportunities for mutual mentorship allows leaders to build relationships with others who share their commitment to transformational leadership. These relationships form the foundation of a supportive ecosystem where leaders can collaborate, share resources, and co-create solutions that uplift their communities.

Collective leadership recognizes that no one person holds all the answers. By harnessing the collective wisdom of the community, we tap into a wealth of diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise. Mutual Mentorship models enable individuals to learn from each other's successes and failures, share valuable insights, and develop innovative strategies for effecting change.

‍Belonging lies at the heart of collective leadership. By building a strong network of support, we ensure equal access to opportunities, resources, and mentorship for all members of our community. Through mutual mentorship and community building, we actively work towards dismantling the mental models we hold around leadership and begin to reimagine leadership in a way that feels, looks and sounds different, ultimately fostering a more equitable & supportive leadership landscape.

When leaders from communities of color come together in mutual mentorship and community-building spaces, they are not just developing their own skills—they are contributing to a larger movement for equity and justice. These spaces provide the opportunity to weave together the diverse experiences, perspectives, and wisdom of the group into a collective vision for change. This is the essence of community-centered leadership: leading with the understanding that our strength lies in our connections with one another.

If you are a leader from a community of color, FIND YOUR PEOPLE. Create your own “Wisdom Weavers” groups. Create a space where your voice, experience, and perspective are not just welcomed—they are essential to the collective vision for change. Together, we can create a future where leadership truly centers our humanity and transforms our definition of leadership. WE all have a unique opportunity to redefine leadership by embracing collective wisdom and community support. For TLP the Wisdom Weavers space is where leaders can reflect, grow, and find a sense of belonging in their journey towards transformative leadership. By creating spaces like the Wisdom Weavers, we offer a supportive community where individuals can share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. This sense of belonging fosters resilience, provides emotional support, and encourages personal growth.