Tonya Harris | Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence executive director
When I became the executive director of RICADV, I knew my life’s work had come full circle. My career path prepared me to lead the organization through these uncharted times. This has been a time for me to remember where I came from, stay grounded in my roots and uphold my values and experiences that define who I am today. Staying true to who we are, paired with the lessons we’ve learned, is crucial when leading, especially during times of crisis.
Leading with compassion: This allows us to relate to and understand those affected by our decisions. This will yield informed decision-making and inspire and reflect in our staff and their work. We must start with that groundwork, approaching any challenges we face with empathy.
Collaboration: It is key in overcoming any obstacle, ensuring every voice is heard and everyone has a seat at the table. We are all connected, and because of this, we can collectively come out of this stronger – together.
Practicing self-reflection: It may seem like there is no time to pause and self-reflect during this pandemic, when really, there isn’t enough time not to. Reflecting and learning from our experiences is vital. As leaders, we have a responsibility to come out of these challenging times with a renewed sense of self and lessons that will guide the years to come.
