“So many women find ways to disqualify themselves from applying… I just know that sometimes it’s easy for people to think ‘Oh my gosh I don’t know all these things.’ No, apply and learn from it.”
-Chakisse Newton, Richland County Council
Have you ever felt like you weren’t qualified enough for a role?
Women often feel like they are underqualified for the job. Men rarely feel this way.
We’ll challenge your preconceptions of what an appointed official is supposed to be and convince you that you are already qualified. Varied professional backgrounds and experiences are assets, not liabilities.
The kind of person you are is the kind of person we need in leadership.
Let go of your preconceptions of what an appointed official is supposed to be.
- You DO NOT have to be: Ivy League-educated, a lawyer, a graduate degree holder, wealthy, or someone with a standing tee time at your local country club.
- An appointed official can come from any background. In fact, many boards and commissions require members from a variety of professions including:
- Educators, farmers, ranchers, doctors/dentists/veterinarians, military reserve/National Guard, social workers, ministers, engineers, radio talk show hosts, car dealership owners, law enforcement/first responders, nurses, Peace Corps volunteers, scientists, veterans, moms, small business owners, retirees.
- All of these people should have their voices heard. Varied professional backgrounds and experiences are assets, not liabilities. Your experience is your expertise.
TIP: This exercise is useful, not just for convincing yourself you’re ready. If you decide to apply for a board, this will be useful in telling those making board appointments that you are qualified.
Use the interactive I’m Good Enough worksheet to list all your personal and professional qualifications. All experiences are valid and relevant. Think about when you have identified and solved problems, managed a budget, helped out in your community/church, etc.
Books to inspire the leader in you:
- Women and Leadership: Real Lives, Real Lessons by Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
- Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader by Herminia Ibarra
- Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
- More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) by Elaine Welteroth
Thanks for financial support from
