Press Releases

For Immediate Release
Contact: Molly D. Shepard
610.660.6684

The Leader's Edge^™ & Freeman Associates Introduce the New Executive Program for Women of Color

Bala Cynwyd, PA.. The Leader's Edge and Freeman Associates, LLC are pleased to announce an exciting, new program geared specifically to senior-level women of African descent. The Executive Program for Women of Color is a powerful nine-month coaching process designed to develop outstanding women business leaders who are of African descent by providing the knowledge, skills and support they need to advance to the highest levels of their corporations. Program participants work with diverse coaches evaluating and refining their communication styles, networking skills and political awareness.

"This is a wonderful program and will sustain, strengthen and support me for many years to come," stated a recent participant who is a senior director at an international pharmaceutical company.

According to Molly D. Shepard, Founder and CEO of The Leader's Edge , "Personal interviews I've conducted, backed up by numerous research studies, have indicated a need for a unique program of this nature. We are very excited to be partnering with Freeman Associates to present this special leadership program targeting the needs of executive women of African descent. While this group of high level women encounters many of the same issues and concerns as do white senior-level executive women, they also face distinct challenges."

Indeed, recent studies have shown that in Fortune 500 companies only 1% of the 11% of corporate officer positions held by women are held by women of African descent. A study by the New York Times Job Market stated that "companies recognize the need for a diverse workforce and get high marks for recruitment efforts, but that clear pathways to the top positions for the best and the brightest diverse employees proves much more difficult." In the same study, diverse employees commented on the "benign neglect" they feel within a one-size-fits-all corporate structure.

"It is unlikely that women of African descent would be among the first to be thought of for leadership development opportunities," stated Teressa Moore Griffin of Freeman Associates. "Having a unique program geared specifically for this group of women puts them on the radar screen. We have created a safe environment where they can validate their experience, enhance their executive leadership style and presence, develop greater self-confidence and improve their ability to capitalize on opportunities." The goal of The Leader's Edge and Freeman Associates is to assist companies in developing those clear pathways to the top for women of African descent so that companies can retain this rich talent pool.

The Leader's Edge is an organization dedicated to the leadership development and advancement of high level executive women. The Leader's Edge offers comprehensive leadership coaching, assessment and training with the goal of developing outstanding women business leaders who contribute successfully in the corporate environment.

Freeman Associates, specializing in leadership development and executive coaching, is committed to supporting the growth and development of individuals, enabling increased effectiveness and greater satisfaction.

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