Establishing a Female Community of Color Network, as Discussed by Brenda Gaddi
Welcome, Friends! Let's get straight to the point and chat with Brenda Gaddi, the brilliant mind behind Women of Colour Australia (WoCA).
Brenda's journey to WoCA was sparked by a deeply personal tragedy — the sudden loss of her mother in 2020. Wishing to pay tribute to her mother's resilience and strength, Brenda decided to establish a community dedicated to uplifting women of color, especially those in leadership roles.
Brenda, could you share what inspired you to launch WoCA and fueled your passion for empowering women of color in leadership positions?
Brenda's mother, Electa, moved to Australia from the Philippines in the early '80s. She navigated Australia's racially charged climate, from the residue of the White Australia policy to the 90s inflammatory rhetoric that still impacts today's society. Brenda wants WoCA to be the supportive community Electa could have used herself. When faced with the heartbreak of losing her mother, Brenda decided to bring her mother's spirit to life through WoCA.
What obstacles specifically confront women of color in the workplace, and how does WoCA address these issues head-on?
Partnering with Murdoch University in 2020, WoCA created the inaugural Women of Colour in the Workplace survey. The survey revealed that despite numerous Diversity and Inclusion programs, discrimination towards women of color was still alarmingly prevalent, regardless of industry, position, or salary. WoCA is dedicated to shining the spotlight on these intersecting challenges and ensuring a fair and inclusive work environment.
The success of WoC's Executive Leadership Program is nothing short of extraordinary, propelling 67% of last year's participants to promotions within half a year! What ingredients make this program such a smashing success?
The WoC Executive Leadership Program is tailored to cater to a culturally and psychologically safe environment. By empowering women of color to bring their authentic selves to the program, WoCA helps foster confidence and the skills necessary for success. The program also teaches participants to redefine leadership in Australia, setting the stage for meaningful change.
Amazing women like Tasneem Chopra OAM and Winitha Bonney OAM are key to WoC's success. How do their experiences and expertise enrich the program and elevate the learning experience?
Brenda is grateful for the wisdom and dedication of trailblazing women like Tasneem Chopra OAM, Winitha Bonney OAM, and Abiola Ajetomobi. Their shared experiences and expertise provide an empathetic and inspiring touch to the program, connecting with participants on a deeper level and provoking a sense of representation.
Navigating gender bias, racism, and other barriers is no walk in the park for women of color. Tell us about specific strategies or tools provided by WoCA's programs to help participants face these obstacles with precision and confidence.
WoCA's Executive Leadership Program , co-created by women of color, focuses on addressing the unique and complex challenges women of color encounter in the workplace. Through culturally responsive workshops, personalized coaching, case studies, networking opportunities, enhanced visibility, and more, WoCA empowers women to overcome barriers and excel in their careers.
Reflecting on your WoCA journey, what are you most proud of? What keeps you motivated to continue this vital work?
Brenda is incredibly proud of the strong sense of solidarity and sisterhood cultivated within the WoCA community and the passionate volunteers who tirelessly support WoCA's mission. Most importantly, seeing the transformation in the lives of women of color and knowing that they are paving the way for future generations keeps Brenda driven to persevere in her important work.
- Brenda Gaddi, the founder of Women of Colour Australia (WoCA), draws inspiration from her mother's resilience and the challenges she faced in her career, with the aim of creating a supportive community that offers business and career development opportunities for women of color, fostering diversity-and-inclusion in leadership roles.
- The Women of Colour in the Workplace survey conducted by WoCA in partnership with Murdoch University demonstrated alarming discrimination against women of color in various industries, prompting the organization to focus on leadership development, shining a light on these issues and advocating for a fair and inclusive workplace environment.
- Key figures like Tasneem Chopra OAM, Winitha Bonney OAM, and Abiola Ajetomobi contribute significantly to the success of WoCA's programs, enriching the learning experience with their experiences, expertise, and distinctive insights, grounding the courses in authenticity and representation for women of color in finance, education-and-self-development, and career-development.
