Story & Photo by JUSTINA RAMLAKHAN

Whether it be at home, in the workplace, or in their own communities, women have always worked. While female workers occupy full-time jobs across all industries and professions— and, on average, get paid 16% less for doing the same work—  there is a staggering gap in the number who pursue leadership roles in comparison to their male colleagues.

The DC 37 Lillian Roberts Women’s Leadership Academy (LRWLA) aims to close that gap. The LRWLA is a 10-session, 40-hour leadership training program designed to support women who desire taking on leadership positions within their profession and community.

Named in honor of long-time DC 37 leader and former Executive Director Lillian Roberts, the Academy’s objective since its founding in 2019 is to help women understand the key elements in the relationship between gender and power dynamics when serving in leadership positions and to learn the most effective ways to lead groups in a gender-biased society. The program is based on the Women’s Leadership Academy offered by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Currently in its sixth cohort, LRWLA sessions are offered virtually on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students are expected to attend all sessions and keep their cameras on, complete weekly homework assignments, participate in a private LRWLA Facebook group, and complete a final project related to their worksite or local union.

The curriculum covers a wide variety of topics, including leadership-style assessment, communication skills development, implicit bias training, building confidence and power, conflict resolution, and mental health and well-being. It’s designed to challenge the ways women show up not only in their workplaces, but their homes, communities, and ultimately for themselves.

“Sometimes we get a group that is interested in learning about the labor movement, so we’ll tailor the curriculum to include more union history,” said Claire Menelas, Assistant Director of the DC 37 Ed Fund. “We use an intuitive approach based on the needs of the group so each student is pushed to grow and feels supported in their goals.”

The curriculum also emphasizes the importance of political engagement for marginalized groups and their intersections.

“I applied thinking this would be a way to continue building hard skills to add to my credentials,” said Michelle Xian, a Social Worker in Local 768 New York City Health Services Employees. “I find the introspective approach to leadership eye-opening. I’m walking away from this experience feeling like there’s much more within my control rather than outside of it.”

The 35 women currently enrolled in the LRWLA represent a diverse group of DC 37 members across age, race, job titles, and sectors.

“One thing I appreciate about this program is that it’s open to all DC 37 divisions,” said Maya Latimer, a Head Start Teacher and Local 95 member. “The women in my cohort come from so many different sectors and agencies, and yet we’re all able to find commonalities in our experiences at work and in our personal lives. I’m thankful for the opportunity to have this community.”

The latest cohort joins more than 200 alumnae to the program and an increasing network of women on whom they can lean for support.

“I work as an EMT and my field is dominated by men,” said Lissett Ramdayal, an Emergency Medical Technician and Local 2507 member. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with more women who are navigating similar challenges as I am at work.”

With DC 37 moving back to its 125 Barclay St. headquarters this fall, the LRWLA will go through yet another transition.

“We want to continue to offer the flexibility that virtual classes provide, while also providing enough opportunities to connect in person in our new home,” Menelas said. “We’re hopeful we’ll find the right balance to keep the LRWLA spirit thriving.”

Below: The sixth cohort of the Lillian Roberts Women’s Leadership Academy in front of the entrance to the New York Historical Society, one of the in-person field trips offered in the current curriculum.