ETB Blogs

Celebrating Cohort 5 LEEADers: CREE Scholars Culminate at ETB Gathering

The Leaders in Equitable Evaluation and Diversity (LEEAD) Program is a 15-month evaluation training program designed to develop a pathway for diverse leaders in culturally responsive and equitable evaluation (CREE). LEEAD Scholars are matched with a Mentor, engage in a CREE curriculum, and are paired with a Practicum Site to apply CREE to an evaluation project. Each cohort’s culmination is held during the American Evaluation Association Conference.

On October 23, 2024, the Expanding the Bench® (ETB) Community had the opportunity to celebrate the culmination of the LEEAD Cohort 5 Scholars at the ETB Gathering at AEA. These 19 talented evaluators have engaged with Dr. Tanisha Tate Woodson, their Mentors, Practicum Site hosts, and each other to dive deep into their CREE practice and commitment as emerging leaders in the field of evaluation. It was an honor and privilege to watch the growth of these Scholars and learn from their journeys and unique insights on equity-driven evaluation. ETB was thrilled to bring together the ETB Community to witness the culmination of the Cohort 5 Scholars as they become LEEAD Alumni.

During the culmination, attendees heard from Dr. Kimberly Harris who shared her experience as a LEEAD Alum and Cohort 5 Mentor and Practicum Site. Dr. Chandria Jones joined us to share what LEEAD has meant to her as a LEEAD Alum, Practicum Site, and editor of the book used to guide the Cohort 5 curriculum. Cohort 5 LEEAD Liaison Eniola Idowu, representing her cohort, spoke to the crowd and expressed that the program has given her more than just CREE experience — it has given her a community of talented, like-minded colleagues.

Please join us in congratulating the Cohort 5 Scholars on their successful completion of the LEEAD Program and stay tuned as we share the amazing work they continue to do in field as CREE leaders!