Think Creative - Issue 3

Creative Life a mission-driven community 28 | Think Creative | Summer 2018 Investing in women’s leadership in development Illustration by Sorbetto/iStock Creative’s commitment to women is part of its history, and its future. Founded more than 40 years ago by four visionary women who wanted to change the world, the company continues to place wom- en’s leadership at the forefront of its work. “The sisterhood of colleagues that we created in those early years greatly influenced and enabled our success,” recalls Founder and Chairperson of the Boar d Charito Kruvant. Today, female chiefs of party are leading Creative projects around the world, including implement- ing stabilization activities in Syria, spearheading crime and violence prevention projects in Hondu- ras and the Caribbean, piloting a family-based effort to reduce youth risk for violent extremism in Tunisia, and building commu- nity resilience in Cameroon—all innovative solutions to some of today’s most challenging global problems. “Creative was formed with the belief that we can create our own reality, that we are all born creative, and that the solutions to the problems of this world require us to create opportunities,” says Kruvant, who recently launched a new opportunity for women’s leadership development. The Creative Women’s Leadership Program’s inaugural cohort com- prises 15 members with diverse backgrounds and extensive ex- perience implementing complex development projects throughout Africa, South Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. Over the course of 10 months, par- ticipants come together to learn, assess and apply key leadership skills. The program pushes partici- pants outside their comfort zones, underscoring the importance of knowing one’s strengths, blind spots and appetite for risk and innovation. The program guides members on how to be effective changemakers. To support this growth, the Creative Women’s Leadership Program brings in experts on critical leadership topics, such as authentic leadership and creativi- ty, adaptability and agility, uncon- scious bias, emotional intelligence and vulnerability. Trainers work with members to hone targeted skills, including peer coaching and dynamic dialogue, and help them to explore evidence-based approaches such as “the science of strengths” and the “neuroscience of communication.” “I’m inspired by the Creative Women’s Leadership Program,” says Eileen St. George, Prac- tice Area Director of Educa- tion in Conflict and a program participant. “It empowers not only through knowledge and skill-building, but by connecting an extraordinary cohort of women and empowering us with a collec- tive voice.” This year’s program cohort is also seeking to empower younger employees. For International Women’s Day, members invited junior staff to a panel discussion about women in international development. The conversation was dynamic, says panelist Noy Villalobos, Senior Director of Field Administration and a pro- gram participant. But she says the message was simple: “You can be a leader at any stage of your career.” The sisterhood that inspired Creative’s founding more than 40 years ago continues to thrive. n Youth! By JC Finley On the Rise