How Associations North's Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Pilot Program is Developing Diverse Leaders in the Association Community
How do you demonstrate the value of diversity? For Associations North, An "Association of Associations" in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, that question sparked and initiative nearly five years ago, developed into a strategic organizational priority, and a Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Committee was formed.
How do you demonstrate the value of diversity? For Associations North, An "Association of Associations" in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, that question sparked and initiative nearly five years ago, developed into a strategic organizational priority, and a Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Committee was formed.
How do you demonstrate the value of diversity? For Associations North, an “association of associations” in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, that question sparked an initiative nearly five years ago, developed into a strategic organizational priority, and a Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Committee was formed.
“In the fall of 2014, initial goals were to present the business case for diversity and inclusion, serve as a model for other associations, strive for membership to be reflective of the community at large, and identify any existing barriers to participation,” explained Sarah Ruzek, Co-Director of Associations North. “Four years later, our D&I Committee is stronger than ever and continues to grow our D&I efforts.”
In 2018, the D&I Committee was looking for innovative ideas to take the initiative to the next level. The committee expanded their efforts to include sponsorship outreach, workforce development, and D&I resources for members.
“We took a careful look at our membership, their needs, and what we as a committee could do to cultivate strong leaders and foster diversity, inclusion, and growth within associations,” said Co-Chair Andrea Jauli. “What developed from this research was a leadership and mentorship program to engage and develop diverse professionals in associations.”
The effort culminated in the launch of the Associations North Diversity & Inclusion (ANDI) Leadership Pilot Program in January. Through the 10-month program, five participants attend leadership training sessions with a focus on executive presence, communication, and change management. Additionally, participants are paired with mentors in the industry. Nearly 20 members from Associations North committed to providing financial resources to fund and support the inaugural program.
After a comprehensive application process, the Associations North D&I Committee selected the following five participants:
• Arzu Alimohd, Ewald Consulting
• Lenette Bender, Global Management Partners
• Angela Lammers, Cetera Services LLC
• Juee Trivedi, MN Hospital Association
• Ivan Woyno, MN Youth Soccer Association
Through the ANDI program, these participants are fully immersed in a cohort leadership experience with a diversity and inclusion lens.
“I am so excited to have the opportunity to participate in this program,” Bender said. “As a life-long learner, it has helped expand my leadership knowledge and provide tools to better serve my association and membership.”
Two fellows from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management serve as the group’s facilitators: Louellen Essex and Amy Tolbert, who is also a Principal of ECCO International. Participants are guided through a results-oriented teaching approach that utilizes a combination of lectures, discussions, and working sessions.
When the program concludes at the end of 2019, graduates of the program will be encouraged to stay involved with Associations North by helping with future ANDI programs, volunteering as mentors, serving on the board of directors, or participating at Associations North events.
“As I reflect on our D&I journey, I am proud of how much we’ve accomplished,” Ruzek said. “We are excited to graduate our first ANDI Leadership class and will continue evolving to promote diversity and inclusion in associations.”
To learn more about Associations North’s ANDI Leadership Pilot Program, visit www.AssociationsNorth.com/ANDI.
“In the fall of 2014, initial goals were to present the business case for diversity and inclusion, serve as a model for other associations, strive for membership to be reflective of the community at large, and identify any existing barriers to participation,” explained Sarah Ruzek, Co-Director of Associations North. “Four years later, our D&I Committee is stronger than ever and continues to grow our D&I efforts.”
In 2018, the D&I Committee was looking for innovative ideas to take the initiative to the next level. The committee expanded their efforts to include sponsorship outreach, workforce development, and D&I resources for members.
“We took a careful look at our membership, their needs, and what we as a committee could do to cultivate strong leaders and foster diversity, inclusion, and growth within associations,” said Co-Chair Andrea Jauli. “What developed from this research was a leadership and mentorship program to engage and develop diverse professionals in associations.”
The effort culminated in the launch of the Associations North Diversity & Inclusion (ANDI) Leadership Pilot Program in January. Through the 10-month program, five participants attend leadership training sessions with a focus on executive presence, communication, and change management. Additionally, participants are paired with mentors in the industry. Nearly 20 members from Associations North committed to providing financial resources to fund and support the inaugural program.
After a comprehensive application process, the Associations North D&I Committee selected the following five participants:
• Arzu Alimohd, Ewald Consulting
• Lenette Bender, Global Management Partners
• Angela Lammers, Cetera Services LLC
• Juee Trivedi, MN Hospital Association
• Ivan Woyno, MN Youth Soccer Association
Through the ANDI program, these participants are fully immersed in a cohort leadership experience with a diversity and inclusion lens.
“I am so excited to have the opportunity to participate in this program,” Bender said. “As a life-long learner, it has helped expand my leadership knowledge and provide tools to better serve my association and membership.”
Two fellows from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management serve as the group’s facilitators: Louellen Essex and Amy Tolbert, who is also a Principal of ECCO International. Participants are guided through a results-oriented teaching approach that utilizes a combination of lectures, discussions, and working sessions.
When the program concludes at the end of 2019, graduates of the program will be encouraged to stay involved with Associations North by helping with future ANDI programs, volunteering as mentors, serving on the board of directors, or participating at Associations North events.
“As I reflect on our D&I journey, I am proud of how much we’ve accomplished,” Ruzek said. “We are excited to graduate our first ANDI Leadership class and will continue evolving to promote diversity and inclusion in associations.”
To learn more about Associations North’s ANDI Leadership Pilot Program, visit www.AssociationsNorth.com/ANDI.
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