77. Why Getting Sponsored by White Leaders Matters with Sheila Duke, CEO of Roads to Success

Who is your sponsor?

For this Women of Color Rise Podcast, I talk with Sheila Duke, CEO of Roads to Success, a New York City non-profit with the mission of empowering young people to take control of their future through after-school and summer programs.

Sheila and I discuss how key to both of our careers was having sponsors, particularly White sponsors. Unlike a mentor who shares guidance, a sponsor actively promotes growth and provides access to opportunities and advocates for career advancement. 

In the non-profit world, most leadership, fundraising, and decision makers are White, despite often serving Black and Brown communities. For Sheila and me, our White sponsors prepared us and advocated for us with decision makers to get the CEO seat. 

Sheila and I share advice for how to find a White sponsor.

1. Know there are White leaders who understand why having leaders of color matters and are eager to sponsor leaders of color. In Sheila’s case, her CEO believed that leadership needs to reflect the community they serve. Look for these White leaders at your organization or at DEI conferences or ask your network for leads.

2. Build a relationship. Build a genuine relationship and establish a connection. Set up time to meet where you can ask for advice and also offer support. Remember that a relationship is a two-way street.

3. Ask for what you need. As you build the relationship, you can then ask for help, perhaps an introduction to someone in their network or feedback on how you navigated a leadership situation. You can also ask if they would be willing to sponsor you as you seek career advancement.

4. Stay true to yourself. Sheila has a saying, “Code switch, not soul switch.” Make sure to stay true to your values and your authenticity. As you get advice and learn how to maneuver in different rooms, stay clear on who you are.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-77-why-getting-sponsored-by-white-leaders-matters-with-sheila-duke