Black women activists and leaders from the South gathered at Harvard University in April 2023 and April 2024 to participate in the Power, Innovation, and Leadership executive education program.
According to USA Today, this pilot program is designed to enhance leadership skills and is focused on empowering Black women leading organizations across the Southern United States.
The program, hosted at Harvard’s Kennedy School and led by Professor Julie Battilana from the Harvard Business School, provided participants with cutting-edge training in leadership and innovation.
Participants included influential figures like Fenika Miller, a Georgia community activist; Deborah Scott, executive director of Georgia STAND-UP; and April England-Albright, national legal director of Black Voters Matter.
Throughout the program, attendees engaged in discussions, leadership exercises, and community-building activities. In a memorable moment, England-Albright led the group in a powerful rendition of “I’m Every Woman” during a dinner event, symbolizing the unity and strength of the participants.
Deborah Scott noted that the program provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with other leaders and deepen her understanding of the challenges and strategies needed to drive change in the South.
Meanwhile, Fenika Miller actively participated in leadership sessions aimed at honing the skills necessary to tackle issues affecting Black communities in the region.
The program is part of Harvard’s broader initiative to address the leadership gap among women of color in positions of power.
With the success of this pilot, the university hopes to expand similar programs in the future.
