If 2017 was the year we were all called to leadership, 2018 was the year that called us to dream big. While we faced much of the same darkness we’ve been facing for years now, we also saw shining moments when vision became reality.
Here at Rockwood, one of our visions became a reality when we launched Couch Conversations, a monthly webinar series featuring alums from different sectors and movements discussing resilience and leadership.
Couch Conversations was a complete experiment. When we began planning it, we weren’t sure if people would be interested, but from the first conversation with Rebecca Cokley to the last one with Karen Narasaki, a lot of people tuned in – 373 people to be exact!
So what’s coming in 2019? We’re launching a podcast (want to be interviewed? send us a note!), and we’re looking at expanding our programs and curriculum in new and exciting ways that will help leaders like you change the world. Stay updated on everything new at Rockwood by subscribing to our email list.
But before we move forward, here’s a look back at Rockwood’s work in 2018:
- Rockwood’s alum network grew to 6,944 incredible, interconnected, resilient leaders across the U.S. and the world (here’s what they were up to this year)
- We reached 636 new leaders, 66% of whom self-identified as people of color, 76% as women, and 28% as LGBTQ
- We held 19 public trainings, which included Art of Philanthropic Leaders and Art of Leadership for Women in Racial Justice and Human Rights alongside our flagship Art of Leadership training
- 82.7% of participants accessed Rockwood’s public trainings at less than full tuition through the sliding scale fee structure
- Akaya hosted the inaugural New Universal Gathering that brought together 24 women of color to dream of a world that celebrates, understands, and cherishes their wisdom
- We guided 9 new and existing fellowships: National Leading from the Inside Out Yearlong, Lead Now: California, Building Power, Strengthening Democracy, Leadership Now: Ohio, Returning Citizens, Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice, Lead Now Pittsburgh, and the brand-new Fellowship for Resource Leaders
- We collaborated with 16 partners:
- Alaska Association on Developmental Disabilities
- Bend the Arc
- Crossroads Fund
- Dorot Foundation
- National Congress of American Indians
- New American Leaders
- Open Society Foundations
- Planned Parenthood Federation of America
- Proteus Fund
- San Francisco’s Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development
- SEIU
- Soros Equity Fellowship
- Ruskay Institute for Jewish Professional Leadership
- Opportunity Collaboration
- RSF Social Finance
- African Women in Agriculture and Research
- We shared our office space with our friends at Bend the Arc, Surge Institute, Oakland Leaf, and Chinese Progressive Association, and we hosted 6 organizations through donation-based space rentals (contact us to host an event in our space!)
- We hosted 4 in-person alum gathers; and
- After 14 years, Akaya Windwood transitioned out of the role of president (read her closing message)
Here’s to a fearless, purposeful, and powerful 2019!