Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County Invests in the Emerging BIPOC Leader Pipeline! 

Free professional leadership coaching for emerging BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) arts managers is now available from the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC) through a partnership with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Metro DC Chapter! The BIPOC Emerging Leaders Coaching Cohort (BELCC) seeks to enhance the careers of up-and-coming arts and humanities leaders of color in and around Montgomery County by inspiring them to maximize their personal goals and professional potential.

“Equity in the creative sector is a priority for AHCMC and is necessary to challenge power imbalances within our communities and professional structures” says Dana Pauley, Board Chair of the Arts and Humanities Council. “In 2018, our Board adopted three Equity Principles, one of those being a commitment to share power. The BELCC aligns with this commitment and our goal to empower the next generation of arts managers of color and prepare them for future senior leadership positions in arts and cultural organizations throughout Montgomery County.”

All BIPOC cultural administrators seeking to develop new skills and tools that will take their careers to the next level are welcome to apply! Two cohorts of up to 15 emerging leaders will launch the program: one in October 2021 and the other in February 2022. Cohort members may explore a variety of topics during one-on-one coaching sessions including improving communication skills, increasing self-confidence, strengthening relationship-building, adapting to organizational change, strategic career advancement and more.

“At the International Coaching Foundation DC Metro Chapter (ICF Metro DC), we believe that time spent with a one-on-one coach is a valuable investment with results that can last a lifetime,” said D. Marlene Thomas, ICF Metro DC Chapter President.  ”AHCMC and ICF Metro DC share a common vision to support diversity and equity. Leadership coaching was once reserved for top executives; and one of the goals of the pro-bono initiative in our chapter is to have new leaders have access to the power of coaching. We are excited to partner with AHCMC as they enhance the careers of up-and-coming arts and humanities leaders of color.”

Applicants must be in the first five years of their career or the first five years of a new position to qualify. Preference will be given to Montgomery County residents and employees but all those living and working in the DMV region are welcome to apply. More information on the BIPOC Emerging Leaders Cohort can be found on our website, creativemoco.com.