A special message

FWLE makes this debut of our website at a watershed moment of public health, economic and social crisis unprecedented in the modern history of America.It is a time for recognition and mourning for all whom our nation has lost and continues to lose to the unrelenting COVID-19 pandemic.The pandemic, compounded by profound health care disparities, and the brutal reality of excessive police force in our communities have combined to unmask fundamental inequities across the spectrum of America. Inequality is the life experience of not only Black Americans, but people of color in general, women and many other segments of our society who have been marginalized on the sidelines of mainstream America. It is long past time for a national reckoning on the bias and bigotry that divide us. But now is also a time for penetrating soul-searching within the American psyche about how we, as a society, together, will eradicate centuries-old patterns of discrimination socially, economically, politically and in every essential way.These deep-seated challenges ‒ defeating the pandemic threat, economic recovery and social reconstruction ‒ highlight more than ever our need for able leadership in all sectors. For the preservation and progress of our nation it is imperative that we as Americans channel our outrage, our despair and our inertia into deliberate, positive action. We must unite in a collective striving to transform our imperfect society into a more perfect union, where there truly is equality and justice for all.There could be no better time than now for FWLE to enter the public arena. Our very mission seeks to remedy one urgent aspect of the social turmoil we experience today – inequity in access to leadership education and development that make opportunity realistic and advancement possible. For too long women, and persons of color – men and women, have been underserved with less access to leadership education and developmental tools than their peers. (For current FWLE programs click here)That is why we at FWLE are so fervently committed to moving our mission forward during these critical times. We are devoted to affordable programming for development of women and men at all levels for leadership roles throughout society. There are few more vital or urgent callings now, when we stand at the crossroads of a pivotal juncture in our transformation and recommitment to our uniquely American ideals.