Leaders of Color Circles

A peer leadership community for women of color

Registration open through March 13th

The Women of Color Circle is a new offering from Leading From Within (LFW). We will begin by celebrating and honoring our collective resilience. Each session will center on themes of belonging, inclusivity, and navigating systemic racism, creating space to explore the unique experiences of leaders of color. Through connection and a supportive environment, participants will engage in meaningful dialogue about the challenges and opportunities they face.

The program includes:

• Women of Color Leadership Circle
  • The Women’s Circle is specifically designed to support executive directors, CEOs, and senior leaders of color who hold significant organizational responsibility.

The circle brings together 8–12 leaders in a confidential, peer-advisory setting that acknowledges the unique realities of leading while navigating race, power, and systemic inequities. Over nine months, participants build trusted relationships, strengthen leadership capacity, and gain tools to sustain themselves and their organizations.

Each circle begins with a 3-hour opening retreat and concludes with a 3-hour closing retreat, creating dedicated time to build trust, reflect on learning, and honor growth over the year.

Circles Details

• Duration: 9 months, monthly sessions
• Session length: 4-6 PM (Note: Opening and Closing Retreat sessions are 4-7 PM)
• Location: Leading From Within – Convening Space
• Cost: $500 (scholarships available)
• Schedule:
  • Dates for Women of Color Circle:
    • Opening Retreat: March 26
    • April 30
    • May 28
    • June 25
    • July 30
    • August 27
    • September 24
    • October 29
    • Closing Retreat: November 18

The Women of Color Circles are spaces of belonging, wisdom, and shared strength—where leaders of color can be fully seen, supported, and challenged to lead with courage, clarity, and sustainability.

Our Women’s Circle Facilitators

Katya Armistead, Ed.D.
Katya Armistead is Co‑Executive Director of Programs at Leading From Within and a seasoned educator and community leader with over 35 years of experience fostering equity‑driven leadership. She has spent much of her career advancing inclusion, student well‑being, and leadership development at UC Santa Barbara, where she served as Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Life and taught leadership courses. Katya is a certified facilitator of The Leadership Challenge®and brings deep commitment to building trusted, brave spaces for leaders to grow.

Judy Guillermo‑Newton, MFT
Judy Guillermo‑Newton is an organizational development consultant and executive coach with over three decades of experience supporting leaders across sectors. She has worked in human resources and leadership development at Montecito Bank & Trust and served campus communities at UC Santa Barbara, including as Campus Ombudsman. Judy’s expertise lies in creating inclusive environments where people can thrive and lead change with authenticity and resilience.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this program offering, please be in touch with Katya at katya@leading-from-within.org.