The American Association for Women in Community Colleges stands on a powerful legacy, one built by leaders who have championed equity, empowerment, and excellence for over five decades. As I begin my term as president, I am both humbled by that legacy and energized by the opportunity to help shape its future.

Today, women in community colleges face complex challenges and extraordinary opportunities. In this moment, we need spaces that affirm our voices, cultivate our growth, and celebrate our successes. When we come together with this type of purpose and intention, we do more than rise. We lift.

To guide our collective work, I am proud to share the L.I.F.T. framework. This model will center our efforts in the months ahead.

L.I.F.T. (Listen, Include, Foster, Thrive)
Listen: Hear and amplify voices.
Include: Build inclusive spaces.
Foster: Support growth and connection.
Thrive: Celebrate success and worth.

When women lift each other in a supportive community, remarkable things happen.

It begins with Listening. It means truly hearing each other's stories, struggles, and triumphs. Every voice matters. When we listen, we amplify those voices and make sure they are heard in places where they might otherwise be overlooked or silenced.

Then we Include. Building inclusive spaces means more than offering a seat at the table. It means actively creating meaningful opportunities for all women to thrive and ensuring each person feels seen, valued, and respected. Inclusion is the foundation of a community of belonging.

Next, we Foster. Through mentoring, sharing resources, and offering support, we create an environment where women can grow and succeed. This is not just about individual advancement. It is about collective uplift, where no one is left behind and the path forward is wide enough for everyone.

Finally, we Thrive. Celebrating each other’s accomplishments reminds us of the power of our collective strength. When one woman rises, she brings others with her, creating a ripple effect that reaches far beyond what we can see.

Together, when we L.I.F.T., we empower lives and shape the future. Let us commit to lifting each other, amplifying voices, and recognizing the unique value we each bring to our work and to the world.

As president, I look forward to advancing this vision with you. Whether you are just beginning your journey in community college leadership or have been shaping this field for years, you are a valuable part of this exciting movement. Let us continue to grow, lead, and lift together.

Respectfully in your service,

Dr. Yolanda Wilson
President, American Association for Women in Community Colleges