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Workshop

Career Track

WK 8 - Diverse Leadership in Ecology: Expanding Your Influence and Generating a Leadership-Network

Monday, August 7, 2023
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM PDT
Location: C124

    Organizer(s)

  • TM

    Teresa M. Mourad

    Director, Education and Diversity Programs
    Ecological Society of America
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States

    • Speaker(s)

  • TM

    Teresa M. Mourad

    Director, Education and Diversity Programs
    Ecological Society of America
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States

    • Co-organizer(s)

  • WR

    Wilnelia Recart González, Ph. D.

    NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biology
    University of San Diego
    San Diego, CA, United States

    • Speaker(s)

  • WR

    Wilnelia Recart González, Ph. D.

    NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biology
    University of San Diego
    San Diego, CA, United States

    • Co-organizer(s)

  • Carmen R. Cid, PhD, ESA Certified Senior Ecologist

    Professor of Ecology/Dean Emerita
    Eastern CT State University
    Wethersfield, Connecticut, United States

    • Speaker(s)

  • Carmen R. Cid, PhD, ESA Certified Senior Ecologist

    Professor of Ecology/Dean Emerita
    Eastern CT State University
    Wethersfield, Connecticut, United States

    • Co-organizer(s)

  • FA

    Fred Abbott

    Diversity Program Manager
    Ecological Society of America
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States

    • Speaker(s)

  • FA

    Fred Abbott

    Diversity Program Manager
    Ecological Society of America
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States

    • Co-organizer(s)

  • AS

    Adrienne J. Sponberg, Ph.D.

    Society Programs Director
    Ecological Society of America
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States

    • Speaker(s)

  • AS

    Adrienne J. Sponberg, Ph.D.

    Society Programs Director
    Ecological Society of America
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Session Description: The purpose of this workshop is to prepare ecologists from underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups for leadership positions within ecological fields and ESA, spaces where diversity continues to remain chronically low. By 2045, racial and ethnic minorities is projected to be the majority of people in the US. Yet, we are seeing a back sliding of diversity: “Leaking Talent: How People of Color are Pushed Out of Environmental Organizations” (Green 2.0 2019). This workshop seeks to create awareness of leadership opportunities and enhance the ability of URM ecologists to pursue and join leadership positions in ecology.

In recent years, the ESA leadership and community have addressed multiple barriers to diversity through its policies, programs, and practices. URM ecologists are exposed to many micro and macro-aggressions that hamper their ability to successfully lead and express their vision and opinions. Studies show that the structure and culture of many organizations are barriers to authentic inclusion. During this workshop, we will highlight the characteristics of inclusive organizations that have eliminated or minimized the barriers that diverse leaders face.

We will then focus on 1) How to find/create leadership opportunities? 2) What core skills lead to successful leadership? 3) What strategies can diverse people in leadership positions implement to navigate and implement their vision and objectives? By the end of this workshop, participants will have identified core leadership skills, potential leadership positions, and joined a community of URM ecologists in support of their leadership endeavors.

The workshop will provide opportunities and a series of prompts for self-reflection, think-pair share, small group and whole group reflections throughout the session. These activities are designed for participants to explore their leadership styles, share experiences, and recognize ways that they have already been a leader. With insights gained from the collective thoughts generated during the workshop, participants will identify approaches to enhance their leadership skills.

The workshop will also present various avenues for participants to consider in which they can step into both formal and informal leadership positions at various levels both in ESA and in other settings. Through discussion and self-reflection, they will be able to identify steps towards achieving their goals.