“The Leadership Accelerator has been transformational for me and how I think about the trajectory of my leadership. I’ve always had a leadership mindset and it was ingrained in me to Think Big.

This thinking, however, left me not really paying attention to the smaller details like what I needed to be working on to get to my goals.

In the Accelerator, I’ve been able to make my leadership and career goals more concrete and actionable where I actually see myself working towards something that is tangible and impactful.”

Jasmine Travers, PhD, MHS, RN, AGPCNP-BC; Assistant Professor at NYU

“The Accelerator offered support in ways that I truly needed during a recent career transition. There were moments that I navigated doubt because I was and still figuring out where I want to lean towards in this transition. However, it was really dope to meet women who were at different places on their trajectory.

I was reminded that I was more than my last corporate role and to embrace uncertainty a little more closely with utilizing my creative skills. It’s actually given me permission and reminded me before any other role, I am a creative. I am an artist. And for the first time in a minute I’m owning that more and leaning into it harder with more trust.

It’s also given me tools in handling the uncertainty with being laid off and figuring out “what’s next?” I wanted to be honest about my situation as mental health had been triggered from the overwhelming uncertainty. And when I did, I was supported. I was allowed to feel. And I was reminded that no matter what, I am gifted, highly skilled, and talented to navigate that this moment is “temporary,” and great things will come. Thank you for bringing me into this space and reminding me I deserve to be here.”

Karla Flores

“Every single connection from the Accelerator has added immense energy to my soul.”

Colby Sameshima

“My favorite part of the Leadership Accelerator was discovering and creating a Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG). That was definitely an ah-ha moment. I’ve watched so many people champion a cause that was essentially a BHAG. And likewise, I have at least 1 BHAG as well. The entire exercise around BHAGs helped me think through the game plan to bring the BHAG to fruition–in increments that are manageable.

My second favorite part of the Leadership Accelerator was the visibility challenge. I chose to launch an initiative to speak directly to one of the target audiences included in my BHAG. The visibility challenge served as a reminder that our personal/professional social platforms can be beneficial to your cause/s.

I didn’t have a least favorite part of the Accelerator. While I didn’t know everything that would happen during the experience, I committed to being present and engaged. So, there was no activity or exercise I didn’t like or couldn’t accept as an opportunity to challenge myself and learn.”

Rikeshia D.

“Before I started The Accelerator, I felt fear, doubt, and lack of confidence. I was struggling with finding passion in my work.

Now I’m feeling better about everything. Working on mission statements was huge and very instrumental for looking closer at yourself and what you need and want.

My favorite part was meeting interesting, educated, and powerful women – and hearing firsthand from Cynthia Pong!”

Jeri Bingham, Communications and Marketing Executive; Founder and CEO, Hush Loudly

“The Accelerator made me feel more confident about my work and value, which allowed me to negotiate a title promotion with a $30,000 raise. I was already working towards this ahead of the Accelerator, but Cynthia was able to link me to some valuable resources to help me in the negotiation process. The connections to the cohort were amazing, as well as the network. I'm so excited to be working with Embrace Change in follow-on coaching, and leveraging folks and specialists in the network.”

Misha S.

“The Accelerator gives you principles and skills that you’ll use, and can share, for the rest of your life.”

Dr. Makini Chisolm-Straker, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine

“I’ve had a better working relationship with everyone on my team because of the Accelerator. I have become more direct and am able to communicate more clearly on my needs and wants as a leader with my team.”

Chandler A.

“The program encouraged me to find opportunities to show up/present/speak at events and be more visible at work as well as outside work. I ended up landing speaking engagements, including at the Rotary International Youth Leadership Program, for Women's History Month, and a Sanofi Marketing Town Hall.”

Cecile Angeles, Consumer and Market Insights Lead for Allergy Portfolio, Sanofi

“I revamped my LinkedIn through Accelerator advice and had two recruiters reach out. One I decided not to pursue and the other I got through the first stage but decided to withdraw my application because I finally figured out what I want to do when I grow up! But I went from no bites to two. A big deal for me.”

Carol Davis, PhD

The program definitely helped me learn to prioritize and block time off for meaningful work! The group was so supportive and encouraging! Also the bonus sessions were fantastic.

A. Davis

“In the Accelerator I’m surrounded by an inspiring and accomplished group of peers who can act as a sounding board in a way that only other women of color in your position can do.

I knew joining the Accelerator would be an impactful experience but I didn’t realize that I’d also be making lifelong connections and friends.”

Angela Guyadeen, Director of the Safe Water Initiative at NRDC

“Our cohort was filled with women holding significant positions in organizations all across the country. One particular person, after hearing me talk about my brand and mission, invited me to speak to her university. I was paid for the speaking engagement, and more importantly, it helped me add to my visibility, credibility, and helps further me as a source of authority.

Hearing the vulnerabilities, concerns, fears AND successes, opportunities and wins from others helps you understand that you're not alone. Getting feedback from others and what THEY saw or felt about me was extremely helpful. Sometimes you don't know how powerful you are or how positively cool you come off to others. So hearing that in a safe space full of supportive leaders was meaningful to me.”

J.B.

“The Accelerator is a great way to expand one's knowledge. I enjoyed and learned so much valuable information that has helped me change the trajectory of my career.”

Terri A.

“The Accelerator allowed me to define my leadership style, find my voice with self-advocacy, and created a safe space to learn, share, and grow with other like-minded women. I was able to push myself beyond my comfort zone. I'm grateful for this experience, the lessons I've learned–and now utilize–and for the amazing women I've bonded with during this journey.”

Genevieve Appolon, Executive Director, Tools & Tiaras, Inc.

“The Leadership Accelerator has been a life and career changing experience. The sessions guided me through a process of self discovery that helped me plan for challenging career changing goals, cultivate professional relationships with other womxn of color, and identify skills and talents that needed to rise to the surface. I wholeheartedly recommend the accelerator to anyone interested in stepping into their full potential. “

Fanny Garcia

“The Accelerator is a safe space to connect with other WOC to share our challenges and wins.

From the cohort members to guest session speakers, I met amazing people and the work we did throughout the program helped me as I was dealing with a few challenges both personally and professionally. I was able to reinforce my career path in terms of work I’ve already been doing (ex. boundary setting, self-advocating).”

N. K.