Willie’s Warriors Leadership Initiative
Rev. Willie T. Barrow
The Rev. Willie T. Barrow was a Civil Rights activist, minister, co-founder of Operation PUSH, and mentor to multiple generations. As a leader in Chicago’s civil rights movement, Rev. Barrow believed in breaking barriers and challenging the status quo, mentoring an ever-expanding pipeline of leaders. She helped to build connections with others working for change, often saying, “We are not so divided as we are disconnected.”
Rev. Barrow believed in bringing women together to support and learn from each other. That work continues through Willie’s Warriors, a leadership development cohort of Black women and nonbinary leaders in the Chicago region. Rev. Barrow’s legacy and fierce commitment to justice lives on through The Willie Taplin Barrow Fund for Black Women’s Leadership at Chicago Foundation for Women.
Willie’s Warriors was created to honor and continue the legacy of the Reverend Willie Taplin Barrow, with support from Rev. Barrow’s estate in partnership with African American Legacy (AAL) at the Chicago Community Trust.
Become A Warrior
The Willie’s Warriors Leadership Initiative elevates the leadership of Black women and gender nonbinary individuals across the Chicago region, creating a pipeline and network of Black women and gender nonbinary leaders committed to equity and justice. The cohort is comprised of 15-20 participants representing a diverse cross-section of the Chicago region, including socio-economic status, sexual orientation, birth country, and professions.
Warriors nurture their leadership and develop supportive relationships with Black women and gender nonbinary leaders in the Chicago region. By focusing on building a supportive ecosystem, the program acknowledges the systemic barriers Black women and gender nonbinary leaders experience and seeks to empower participants to thrive both personally and professionally. The program has a holistic approach to leadership development, acknowledging the importance of personal growth and well-being alongside professional advancement.
Willie’s Warriors Leadership Initiative Objectives were created to ensure that Black women and gender nonbinary leaders THRIVE (Transformation, Healing, Restoration, Integrity, Vulnerability, Empowerment) in their professional and personal lives. The Willie’s Warriors program offers participants a space to gain a deeper sense of themselves as leaders, strengthening their personal leadership style and bringing their whole selves to the table. Warriors explore the idea of leadership, personal growth and transformation, and how to sustain themselves while moving our communities forward.
Who Should Apply
The Willie’s Warriors Leadership Initiative will be comprised of a cohort of 15-20 leaders who:
- represent a diverse cross-section of the Chicago region, including socio-economic status, sexual orientation, birth country, and professions
- come from all sectors, industries, and educational levels and backgrounds
- identify as Black, African American, or as part of the African diaspora
- identify as women, including trans-, cis-, and gender-nonconforming; and/or gender nonbinary
- have an interest in nurturing their leadership and relationships with other Black women and gender nonbinary leaders in the Chicago region
- have 10-20 years of relevant experience, including leading people, projects, communities, or initiatives
- have demonstrated a commitment to issues of equity and justice
What is the commitment involved in being a member of Willie’s Warriors?
The seventh cohort of the Willie’s Warriors Leadership Initiative will meet at least monthly beginning in January 2025 through August 2025. Dates and times can be found below. The initiative will conclude with a three-day closing retreat that consists of staying overnight. Participants should also set aside about two to three hours per month to complete pre-work for sessions and meet with their cohort members and/or CFW staff. Cohort members will be responsible for arranging any time off from work required to attend the session.
The planned dates for the next cohort’s sessions are in person, unless otherwise stated.
Wednesday, Jan 23, 2025 (5:30-7:30 PM) – Virtual | Orientation
Thursday, January 24, 2025 (8:30 AM – 4:00 PM) | Opening Retreat
Thursday, February 20 (8:30 AM-3:30 PM) | Session 1
Thursday, March 20 (8:30-3:30 PM) | Session 2
Thursday, April 10 (4:30-7:30 PM) | “Meet the Cohort” event
Saturday, April 26 (10:30 AM-12:30 PM) – Virtual | Session 3
Thursday, May 22 (8:30-3:30PM) | Session 4
Thursday, June 26 (8:30-3:30 PM) | Session 5
Thursday, July 17 (8:30-3:30 PM) | Session 6
Thursday, August 7 (6:00 PM) – Saturday, August 9th (3:00 PM) | Closing Retreat
(Note: Breakfast & mingling is from 8:30-9:00 AM. Sessions start at 9:00 AM)
If you cannot commit to attend the pre-scheduled sessions, please apply at another time.
How to Apply
Applications for Willie’s Warriors 2025 cohort are now open. Apply HERE.
This application will close, Friday, September 27 at 11:59 p.m. (CST).
A Selection Committee comprised of representatives from CFW, past Warriors, and the Willie’s Warriors Advisory Board will review all applications. You may be asked to participate in an interview in October or November 2024. We anticipate notifying Warrior applicants of selection by end of November. No recommendations required!
Contact
For more information, contact Christina Armstrong, Program Officer, at carmstrong@cfw.org