Empowering Professional Growth and Equity: My Journey with Measuring What Matters
Sierra Randall, Director of Development at Jeremiah Program and Measuring What Matters alumni 2018, shares her journey with the program, what it has meant for her career, and the way it can create a positive shift in our sector.
In the fast-paced world of professional development, finding the right resources and opportunities to grow can be a daunting task. However, my journey with Good Measure's Measuring What Matters Program has been a transformative experience that not only empowered my career, but also created space for increased representation for individuals like me who bring lived experience to the nonprofit sector.
Before I joined the Measuring What Matters Program, I felt very stuck in my career. I often felt that my lived experience was underrepresented and undervalued in the nonprofit sector. While I knew I had the potential to make a meaningful impact, I lacked the guidance and resources to navigate a system that often seemed exclusive. That's when I discovered Good Measure and their program aimed at helping professionals like me explore our skill sets, measure our progress, and set meaningful goals through data and evaluation.
Though my experience with Measuring What Matters involved working with a team of colleagues from my organization to solve a data-related problem using tools and strategies shared through the program, my individual experience is what really stuck with me over the years. Good Measure's program not only focused on individual growth, but also on how our collective efforts could drive positive change. Through workshops and coaching sessions, we learned how to use data to identify areas where equity gaps existed within our organizations and how we could work collectively to address them. This data-driven, inclusive approach empowered me to advocate for changes that would benefit not just me but others with similar experiences.
The program gave me insights that allowed me to cultivate inclusive leadership skills. Through conversations and learning sessions with other participants in the program, I quickly recognized that others also strongly believe leadership in the nonprofit sector should reflect the communities it serves. Through intentional application of the general data skills I was learning, I honed my ability to lead with empathy, embrace diverse perspectives, and create environments where everyone's voices were heard. These skills have not only made me a more effective professional, but have also contributed to advancing diversity and inclusion using data-focused discussions and decision-making among Austin nonprofits.
Another vital aspect of the program was the opportunity to network and collaborate with a diverse group of professionals who shared a passion for equity and representation. Being part of this community was not only inspiring, but also provided a platform to advocate for increased representation in nonprofit leadership roles. I built valuable relationships that allowed us to work together to break down barriers and create more inclusive spaces.
My journey with Good Measure's Measuring What Matters Program has been a transformative experience that has not only empowered my professional growth but has also emphasized the critical importance of equity and increased representation in the nonprofit sector. By focusing on setting equitable objectives, data-driven decision-making with an inclusive approach, cultivating inclusive leadership skills, and networking for representation, this program has empowered me to be a catalyst for positive change in my field.
If you're a professional looking to advance your career while championing equity and representation, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring programs like Measuring What Matters. Together, we can empower ourselves and others with lived experiences to make a lasting impact in the nonprofit sector and beyond, ensuring that everyone's voices are not only heard but also valued and respected. Good Measure has certainly empowered me to measure what matters most while promoting equity and representation, and I am excited to continue this journey toward a more inclusive nonprofit sector in Austin.
Measuring What Matters (MWM) programming is currently paused. Good Measure is working with MWM alumni along with other data leaders to understand the needs of the data and evaluation sector in Central Texas nonprofits.
We are hoping that with the feedback and direction of Good Measure alumni that we can create even more accessible and equitable programming.
If you are an alumnus of Good Measure and want to learn more about opportunities to be a part of this transformative work, please join us at one of our Good Measure Evaluation Reunions:
In-person: Tuesday, November 7th, 9:00 am - 11:00 am - Meanwhile Brewing
Virtually: Wednesday, November 8th, 4-6:00pm - Zoom