Leaders of Color Circles

A peer leadership community for women and men of color

Monthly gatherings | Starting March | In person at Leading From Within

Leading From Within’s Leaders of Color Circles are designed for LFW alumni. The Women of Color Leadership Circle is specifically designed for executive directors, CEOs, and leaders of color with significant organizational responsibility. These intimate peer circles of 8–12 participants provide a trusted space to step out of isolation and into a supportive community of peers who understand the realities of leading in complex systems.

Leaders of color often navigate high expectations, systemic barriers, and visibility pressures with few opportunities for honest reflection. These circles acknowledge those realities, offering structure, care, and accountability through a facilitated peer-advisory model led by experienced community leaders of color.

Participants choose between a Women of Color Leadership Circle or a Men of Color Leadership Circle, meeting monthly to share challenges and opportunities, reflect together, and support each other’s growth.

What Participants Can Expect

• Facilitated peer advising and meaningful dialogue
• Exploration of leadership, belonging, resilience, and impact
• Connection with a consistent group of trusted peers
• Space for reflection, learning, and renewed clarity
• Opening and closing retreats to deepen connection and integration

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.

Program Details

• Duration: 9 months, monthly sessions
• Session length: 2 hours
• Location: Leading From Within – Convening Space
• Cost: $500 (scholarships available)
• Schedule:
  • Women of Color Circle: 4th Thursday of the month
  • Men of Color Circle: 2nd Wednesday of the month

The Leaders 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.

Our Men’s Circle Facilitator

Mario Mendez
Mario Mendez is a community leader and seasoned mentor based in Santa Barbara whose work centers on youth empowerment, connection to nature, and civic engagement. He serves as Community Awareness, Accountability & Action Manager and Senior Field Staff with Wilderness Youth Project, where he supports young people in finding strength, purpose, and belonging. Mario brings lived experience, compassion, and a commitment to collective growth to his facilitation — grounded in years of leadership learning and community practice.

Questions?

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