Building Cultures of Belonging: Insights on Leadership and Identity

10/02/24 • 28 min

I am thrilled to share my latest conversation.
Why? Because Venus Devnani, Executive Vice President of American Jewish World Service, is not just fabulous; she brings an interesting perspective to the NGO table. This conversation is not just worth listening to; her thoughts on honoring different perspectives and making room for multiple truths directly apply to our work in the development sector.
One of the highlights of our conversation is Venus’ viewpoint on how understanding different experiences can develop stronger, more compassionate leaders in building space for true empathy. Adding to her insights, Venus states it perfectly,
"Slowing down and learning vulnerably are key to understanding others' experiences."
A key question I ask guests is, "What key events have shaped your leadership style?" Two of her prime examples fall into buckets relevant to the development sector: identity and belonging.
Venus is a first-generation American. Her parents immigrated from India and Indonesia to the US, leaving behind a life, a country, and a family. Her experiences as a first-generation high school graduate and first-generation college graduate reflect her feeling out of place. Yet these experiences are noted as stepping stones in her identity awareness and leadership style.
"There’s a lot of pressure to be an ambassador for your race or identity. I had to unlearn the expectations imposed on me and relearn who I really was." Venus’ reflection on the weight of identity inspires her to create spaces of belonging in leading others.
"I find it so gratifying now to work with others who also experienced a lack of belonging. As leaders in mission-driven spaces, it's our responsibility to create cultures where every individual feels seen, valued, and included. True belonging isn’t just about fitting in; it’s about embracing the richness of our diverse experiences and using that to build stronger, more inclusive communities."
Thank you, Venus, for sharing your thought-provoking journey of navigating identity, belonging, and justice. Your inspiring words on embracing cultural roots and fostering inclusivity will help NGO leaders deepen their leadership understanding in our diverse world.
Tune in now to hear Venus’ invaluable perspectives.

Previous Episode

Embracing the Leadership Power of Relationality, Sovereignty & Reflection

Have you redefined your view of leadership recently?

I share this inspiring conversation with Judith Le Blanc, the trailblazing Executive Director of the Native Organizers Alliance. Deeply rooted in her Indigenous culture and heritage, Judith introduced me to a fresh perspective on leadership, as her bold journey is a powerful testament to the impact of collective action and cultural continuity. Her insights left a lasting impression on me, and I know they'll resonate with you, too.

Beginning in the 1970s, Judith’s leadership journey took a bold turn when she quit college to support the Wounded Knee Occupation in South Dakota. This pivotal experience underscored the importance of sovereignty and self-determination, shaping her understanding of leadership as a collective effort. Her path has since become a testament to the transformative power of united action and cultural perseverance, inspiring those around her with her unwavering commitment.

She recalls, “Going to Wounded Knee was a transformative experience. It awakened my sense of being part of something much greater than myself.”

Judith’s insights are a treasure trove of wisdom. She emphasizes the need to address past issues to improve current community lives, stresses how our actions now impact future generations and notes sovereignty is a top concern across all demographics, reflecting shared values. Lastly, she introduced relational leadership, which respects past, present, and future interconnectedness.

“Understanding the time continuum from the beginning of time until the end of time is crucial. We have ancestral responsibilities, and what we do in the present carries a lot of weight for our descendants and ancestors.”

Thank you, Judith, for sharing your profound leadership insights for future-ready leaders. Deeply rooted in Indigenous values, you emphasize relationality, sovereignty, and reflection, offering a warm and holistic way to drive transformative change in the NGO sector.

A must-listen episode!