“Now more than ever, this world needs programs like Coro.”
What is your connection with Coro?
FPPA, class of 2006
What is a memory from your Coro experience and training that you still think about today?
There’s a million of memories. Professionally, the most transformative was my campaign placement. I was working on a state senate campaign so I had the opportunity to learn what a real campaign field operation looks like, how to draft scripts, organize volunteers, target voters based on messaging that related to issues they cared about. It was fascinating work. This experience provided transferable skills that come into play in different roles I’ve held in local government and philanthropy, such as how to execute place-based volunteer selection.
Kamala Harris was a campaign surrogate during this period, so I had the honor to engage with her early in her political career.
What is one of Coro’s leadership principles, frameworks, or tools you continue to apply to your leadership practice today?
There are two that stand out. First, I often use the 4WH (who, what, when, where, and how) questions which helps me be intentional in inquiry. It helps me ask the questions that will reveal the information I’m seeking, or lead me to information that I don’t know that I don’t know. Asking good questions – and not going straight to the “Why?” – is such an important skill. I’m often complimented for asking good questions, and I draw a direct line back to my Coro training.
Second, the ability to facilitate an effective meeting is another Coro approach I value greatly to this day.
What are the two most important leadership qualities that you believe people need to create our shared future?
- Empathy. Most societal ills stem from those who don’t share an identical worldview and how quickly we are to “other” someone else and disregard their contributions or perspectives.
- Focus. In a world where distractions are greater than they’ve ever been, it is important to focus on the north star and not let distractions get in the way. Those who can focus are the folks that will change the world. So many of us get distracted.
Remember this! Now more than ever, this world needs programs like Coro. We need to be intentional about leadership development, and cultivating the skills needed to create a shared future where we can all prosper and be in harmony. Keep punching, keep swinging