Take The Lead's 50 Women Can Change The World Launches in Arizona

Alison Rapping is spearheading the new Take The Lead inititave in Arizona, 50 Women To Change The World.

Alison Rapping is spearheading the new Take The Lead inititave in Arizona, 50 Women To Change The World.

Take The Lead Arizona is launching an intensive leadership training program in Maricopa County for women who work in the nonprofit sector.  The deadline is approaching for applications to “50 Women Can Change the World,” an innovative program running August through December 2016 that includes five in-person training sessions, a robust online learning course and executive coaching.

The mission is for participants to grow as individuals, develop valuable contacts and interpersonal relationships, build strong networks and prepare themselves for future leadership opportunities.

The Nonprofit Sector is a Critical Economic Driver.

With its 10.7 million employees nationwide making up about 10 percent of the nation’s private workforce, the nonprofit sector is an often overlooked and important economic driver.

The economic strength of the nonprofit industry has increased in recent years and the sector is now the third largest employer in the U.S. Nearly 2 million nonprofit organizations produce revenue in excess of $1.9 trillion.

A new, comprehensive study, Arizona Nonprofits: Economic Power, Positive Impact, reveals that the nonprofit sector contributes more than $22.4 billion to the state’s economy. It is 8 percent of the state’s gross state product and ranks as the 5th largest non-governmental employer.

The Nonprofit Gender Gap Still Exists.

According to the GuideStar Nonprofit Compensation Report, in 2012, female CEOs in the U.S. made 11 percent less than their male counterparts at nonprofits with budgets of $250,000 or less. Female CEOs at nonprofits with budgets between $25-$50 million made 23 percent less. And only 17 percent of nonprofits with budgets of more than $50 million were led by women.

“Two years ago, I launched Take The Lead because women are still not getting their fair share of leadership positions, despite having more women in the workplace who are better educated and more experienced than ever before,” said Gloria Feldt, Take The Lead co-founder and president.

“The statistics are grim.  Women continue to earn about 20 percent less than men.  The disparity is especially prevalent in the nonprofit world which employs a preponderance of women,” Feldt said.

Ironically, according to research by The Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management, the gender pay gap is even greater in the nonprofit sector. Yes, this is the same sector where employees work tirelessly toward ending injustices, breaking down barriers and fighting for equality. The Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management’s “74% Project” has found that a woman working for a nonprofit is making even less than the national average, at only 75 cents on the dollar.

Take The Lead is committed to changing this – and changing it fast. In response, Take The Lead Arizona, a chapter within Take The Lead,  launches 50 Women Can Change the World later this summer.

Based on Gloria Feldt’s groundbreaking book, No Excuses: 9 Ways Women Can Change How We Think About Power, and Take The Lead’s core training, this program is designed specifically for nonprofit leaders and game changers. It supports women as they seek to most effectively lead the organizations and community collaborations they are invested in.

What Is It? And How Do I Apply?

50 Women Can Change the World includes five in-person training sessions, a robust online learning program, and executive coaching. After completing  training, participants will be mentored while they develop and implement their own powerful strategic leadership action plans to gain practical and tactical skills to better equip them to lead nonprofit organizations in the 21st century.

Benefits of 50 Women Can Change the World

Why would someone participate in 50 Women Can Change the World? The answer is simple; to break through to the next level of leadership while learning and collaborating with other stellar nonprofit women leaders in Arizona. If you are a woman interested not only in advancing your own career, but taking the sector’s collective work to the next level, then this program will inspire you. Discover how you can embrace your power with intention, confidence, and authenticity, and increase the value that you bring to your organization.

50 Women Can Change the World will help you to network with purpose and negotiate with confidence. After clarifying individual career goals, program participants will also create a Collaborative Community Action Plan in partnership with other women in the network.

Application Process and Deadlines.

Applications for 50 Women Can Change the World are available here from April 15 through Friday, June 17, 2016.  The inaugural class runs August through December 2016. We welcome you to share this with individuals you think would be strong candidates for the program.

Need More Information?

Contact Alison Rapping, Arizona Director at (602) 525-8682 or at AlisonRapping@taketheleadwomen.com.

Thank you to our supporters.

Generous funding to support 50 Women Can Change the World is provided by American Express Foundation, SRP, APS, Freeport McMoRan, Copperpoint Mutual Insurance Company, Dr. Mitchell and Kerry Giangobbe, Veincare of Arizona, Frontdoors and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.


About the Author

ALISON J. RAPPING is Take The Lead’s Arizona chapter Director. She works primarily with Take The Lead’s Leadership Council to share and expand Take The Lead’s training programs. For over 20 years, she’s served nonprofit organizations and community initiatives in the areas of capacity building, organizational effectiveness, fundraising, and resource development. A recognized leader in the nonprofit community, she has been responsible for providing strategic direction for a variety of organizations, managing extensive volunteer structures including Boards of Directors and creating fundraising plans to support year-round programs and activities.