Homeward Bound: Empowering Voices All Over the World
3 Key Insights After Graduating from a Global Community of Women in STEMM
Image credits: Henrique Setim via Unsplash.
Update: I headed to Antarctica in November 2023!
Check out more about this immersive leadership challenge in one of the world’s most challenging environments.
You can contribute to this amazing initiative by donating!
Dr. Tiffany Vora graduates from Homeward Bound, a global community of women in STEMM in positions of leadership.
I recently celebrated a milestone in my ongoing journey to grow my impact: I graduated from my year-long STEM leadership program hosted by Homeward Bound! And my goodness, what a journey it has been.
Homeward Bound is a community that is building, supporting, and engaging a global network of thousands of STEMM women in positions of leadership. Over a year, the members of each cohort explore personal and professional values, strategies, career aspirations, and collaborations to maximize their impact. While much of the conversation is focused on sustainability and climate change, there are many opportunities to share our own passions. Before the pandemic, the capstone experience was an intensive leadership deep dive carried out during a voyage to Antarctica.
I applied to the program in March 2020, just as California (and the rest of the world) was heading into unprecedented times of change. In late summer 2020 I received the thrilling news that I was being offered a spot in the program. And in spring 2021, I joined a hundred women from all around the world in beginning our leadership journey … online.
Like just about everything in the last two years, there have been bumps along the way. But I’ve gained a great deal from my time with Homeward Bound. Here’s a quick look at three of my insights:
First and foremost, I’ve joined a passionate community of STEMM women (and their allies) that is creating impact all over the world.
I don’t think I can overstate how important that is. Even though things are changing, there’s still a large gender differential in STEMM, particularly in positions of leadership. Connecting with this community has helped me feel supported and optimistic about the future.
Second, Homeward Bound prompted me to dedicate protected time to developing a strategic mindset for my personal and professional lives
With help from inside the program and outside it, I’ve identified things that are important to me, behaviors that support those things, and things I need to change in order to live those values. I’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible, but thanks to Homeward Bound, I’ve got frameworks, resources, and a community of like-minded sisters also in search of the “big picture”. What we put into the process determines what we get out of it.
Third, by working with dedicated coaches, I was able to go deep into how I perceive myself as a leader—and how some of my colleagues perceive me.
While the voyage to Antarctica has not happened yet, it’s a good time to develop a growth mindset in a time of massive uncertainty. Image credits: Henrique Setim via Unsplash.
I formulated some experiments to try to move the needle in my target areas of improvement. And I also had support in slowing down, celebrating my wins, and acknowledging that I have a positive impact on others. I admit that I’m still working on those points! But I’m growing as a leader, and I feel good about that.
I haven’t made it to Antarctica yet—and it’s not going to happen in 2022, either. Nonetheless, this past year with Homeward Bound has strongly encouraged my growth mindset in a time of massive uncertainty. In the coming months and years, I’m excited to strengthen my connections in our global community.
I believe that great things are yet to come from women STEMM leaders. I’m honored to be a part of this international community of hope and change. I hope that you’ll join me in empowering voices all over the world to positively impact the future!
About Tiffany
Dr. Tiffany Vora speaks, writes, and advises on how to harness technology to build the best possible future(s). She is an expert in biotech, health, & innovation.
For a full list of topics and ways to collaborate, visit Tiffany’s Work Together webpage.
Donate = Impact
After a 19-day voyage to Antarctica aboard The Island Sky in November 2023, Tiffany has many remarkable stories to share & a wealth of insights to catalyze a sustainable future.
You can support her ongoing journey by making a contribution through her donation page. Your support will spread positive impact around the world, empower Tiffany to protect time for impact-focused projects, and support logistical costs for pro bono events with students & nonprofits.
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