Cohort Completes BIPOC Leadership Program
On November 29, seven women celebrated their successful completion of the inaugural BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Leadership Development Program with the Christian Reformed Church in North America. This 10-month program was designed for existing BIPOC employees of CRCNA ministries as a way of contributing to their leadership development while also aiming to improve employee retention.
“Leadership is an inherently challenging and often solitary responsibility,” explained Melissa Barnes, chief financial and administrative officer of World Renew and leader of the initiative. “BIPOC leaders encounter extra hurdles stemming from underrepresentation and the daily complexities of operating within predominantly white institutions. This, coupled with the absence of specific support mechanisms, contributes to burnout and subtle resignations.”
In an effort to combat these realities, the CRCNA offered the BIPOC Leadership Development Program to early and midcareer staff of color earlier this year. Nine employees originally accepted the invitation, yet two had to withdraw during the course of the program.
The program was based on a similar initiative piloted by Dr. Michelle Loyd-Paige at Calvin University in 2022.
“At its core, the program seeks to seamlessly integrate personal faith with a deep understanding of leadership principles,” said Barnes.
“Ultimately, the program aims to enhance staff engagement and visibility while boosting confidence, knowledge, and skills pertinent to current roles and other leadership opportunities within the CRCNA. It fosters a culture of engagement and flourishing, with the overarching goal of improving employee retention and establishing a workplace environment that is not only fulfilling but also conducive to sustained professional success.”
The seven participants who completed the program were Teresa Kelly (Human Resources), Monicah Maiyo (Finance), Rachelle McKissick-Harris (Human Resources), Helen Powell (World Renew), Denisha Robinson (World Renew), Kacey Spencer (World Renew), and Idella Winfield (Thrive).
Over the course of 10 months, these women were involved in reading, assessment, reflection, writing, mentorship, and guided conversation. They learned about resilience, self-care, leadership effectiveness, integration of faith and leadership, and intercultural development. They also identified their own personal strengths and learned how their skills could best be used in team settings. Along the way, they were supported and challenged by each other.
At a graduation ceremony on November 29, Dr. Michelle Loyd-Paige gave a plenary address. Having successfully piloted a similar initiative at Calvin University, Loyd-Paige shared her wisdom and insights on lessons in leadership with the graduates.
“We were honored to benefit from her extensive experience and expertise,” said Barnes. “As a true luminary in the fields of education, diversity, and social justice, Dr. Loyd-Paige's impressive career spans 38 years in higher education. Her leadership as the executive associate to the president for diversity and inclusion at Calvin University has left an indelible impact, making her a valuable contributor to the success of the BIPOC Leadership Development Program.”
Dan DeKam, director of U.S. ministry operations, said he is excited to congratulate these graduates on their accomplishments:
“On behalf of the CRCNA, I want to commend these remarkable women for their resilience and determination and the positive impact they have made throughout the program. Their achievements are a testament to their unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth, and we are confident that they will continue to excel as leaders in their respective roles.”
