WE Ascend
WE Ascend is a leadership development program that empowers, prepares, and positions those in leadership to move into higher leadership roles. WE Ascend was developed to motivate BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) women to overcome challenges and break the glass ceiling within organizations and the community.
What is WE Ascend?
WE Ascend offers a unique coaching experience for 15-20 BIPOC women leaders, whether they’re tackling new organizational challenges, recently promoted, or aspiring to climb the career ladder. Our program is not just about professional advancement; it’s a holistic journey of personal empowerment. Join us and unlock your potential to lead, inspire, and flourish.
Program Objectives
Build a framework for strengths-based leadership
Identify and address opportunities & challenges to professional growth
Prepare and position for future success
Cultivate community and an enhanced professional network
Increase female talent and in the leadership pipeline
Target Participants
BIPOC women leaders focused on advancement
Curriculum
5 professionally facilitated small group coaching sessions
Assessments, discussions, and exposure to thought leaders
Two personal coaching sessions
Class 8 Spring Session Program Timeframe:
All sessions run 8:30-11:30 AM unless otherwise noted
- March 5, 2025 – Kickoff/Lunch (8:30 a.m. – noon)
- March 19, 2025 – Session 1
- April 2, 2025 – Session 2
- April 16, 2025 – Session 3
- April 30, 2025 – Session 4
- May 14, 2025 – Session 5
- May 28, 2025 – Session 6
- June 11, 2025 – Graduation/Happy Hour (3:00 – 5:30 p.m.)
Applications
Applications for Class 8 open December 10, 2024 and close February 4, 2025.
Questions? Contact Devona Stripling at dstripling@cincinnatichamber.com
Program Fees
$3,000 for Chamber Members
$4,000 for non Chamber Members
*Partial scholarships may be available for those with financial need, and can be requested within the application. Payment plan options are also available.
Presenting Investor
Meet Your Coach
Founder of Black Career Women's Network (BCWN) | Chief Career Strategist | Executive Coach | Speaker | Future Author
Sherry Sims is an accomplished human resources professional with over 20 years of experience. Throughout her career, she has…
Sherry Sims is an accomplished human resources professional with over 20 years of experience. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles in Talent Acquisition and Diversity and Inclusion and has been a catalyst for change. Her implementation of impactful programs has significantly contributed to creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, inspiring others to follow suit.
In addition to her HR career, Sherry is also a dedicated Career Coach and the Founder of Black Career Women’s Network (BCWN), a leading national career development organization for Black women. Since its inception in 2012, BCWN has helped numerous Black women nationwide in overcoming workplace challenges, improving their professional skills, and reaching their career aspirations through professional development programs, coaching, mentoring, and resources.
Sherry has become an expert in the field of Career Development, a fact that has been widely recognized. Her expertise and advice have been featured in digital and print publications such as The New York Times, Essence Magazine, Black Enterprise, MSNBC, USNews, CNBC, and more. Recently, she was awarded the Black Business Hall of Fame by the African American Chamber of Cincinnati and recognized as one of 111 DEI Leaders to watch in 2024.
What past participants had to say...
I work in a male-dominated profession, and [WE Ascend] was an opportunity for me to be surrounded and encouraged by women who look like me, that I relate to, that I feel this is a safe space for me to take my mask off, let my hair down, and be my authentic self.
Denica Gilmer
The WE Ascend program has been truly helpful to my professional and personal development. Through the learning and practicing of several tools, I have been able to apply a variety of skills gained to my everyday life.
Natasha Guerrero
I am always good at telling others what they need to do to lead or take control of a project, but I never put my words into practice. WE Ascend made me look at why I don’t take my own advice, the inner barriers that stop me, and how to peel those barriers away to become the leader I am meant to be in all aspects of my life.
Valeria Swope
WE Ascend created a safety net for me that most women of color never get to experience with leaders who look just like them and have similar experiences. I am so glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and did this program.
Samantha Mosby
Discover the Right Leadership Center Program for You
The Leadership Center at the Cincinnati Regional Chamber offers leadership development programs that are built to grow and strengthen the regional talent base by developing civic-minded leaders. If you’re an individual looking to apply or a talent leader interested in sending employees through our programs, let us help you find the programs best suited for your goals.
