Unleashing untapped potential: Lessons in character-based leadership

During Women's History Month in March, I had the privilege of attending the AFPM Annual Conference, where I was deeply inspired by Ruthe Farmer, founder and CEO of Last Mile Education Fund.

Her remarkable story and insights on character-based leadership left a permanent mark on me and I feel compelled to share her wisdom with our readers.

Breaking barriers and creating opportunities

Farmer's passion for breaking through barriers and creating opportunities for young women in technical fields is truly admirable. She designed a program that has now reached 35,000 young women across the U.S., starting from their high school years. Every year, the program welcomes around 6,000 to 7,000 girls, making it the largest community of technical women at that level nationwide. Across 93 locations in the U.S., companies and universities collaborate to invite every high school girl in their community, showering them with creative gifts and scholarships, and affirming that there is a place for them in our industry. What struck me most about Farmer's approach was her unapologetic determination to create change. She didn't wait for permission; she saw a need and took action. Her program is now the largest initiative of the National Center for Women & Information Technology, a testament to the power of one person's vision and dedication.

The squeaky wheel gets the grease

One of the key lessons Farmer shared was that opportunities come to those who ask. In her words, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease." She encouraged us to create our own paths and to operate on an "ask forgiveness, not permission" model. In a world where competition for resources and opportunities is fierce, Farmer reminds us that we have nothing to lose by pushing back politely, nicely and maybe even a little brashly at times.

Nominating and supporting women

Farmer also emphasized the importance of nominating and supporting women who are doing great work. The more women we connect with in our professional spheres, the more authentic and comfortable we can be in our industry. By uplifting and recognizing the achievements of our female colleagues, we create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

Tapping into untapped talent

Perhaps the most eye-opening moment of Farmer's talk was when she highlighted the untapped talent pool in our country: low-income students. With more than half of children in K-12 schools in the U.S. qualifying for free lunch, our talent pipeline is largely in poverty. Farmer urged us to pivot our thinking as employers and not overlook this pool of potential. She also reminded us that many prestigious institutions and opportunities are tied to parents' social networks and net worth rather than an individual's merit. As we move forward in our careers, it's crucial to keep this in mind and to actively seek out and nurture talent from all backgrounds.

The ripple effect of mentorship

Another powerful aspect of Farmer's work is the ripple effect it creates through mentorship. As young women progress through her program and enter the workforce, they become role models and mentors for the next generation. This continuous cycle of support and guidance is essential for fostering a diverse and thriving industry. By paying it forward and mentoring others, we can all contribute to building a stronger, more inclusive future for our industry.

A call to action

Ruthe Farmer's words stayed with me long after the conference ended. Her story is a powerful reminder that each of us has the potential to be a change-maker, to break barriers and to create opportunities for others. As we navigate our own careers and leadership journeys, let us embrace the principles of character-based leadership, support and uplift one another and actively seek out and nurture untapped talent. Let us take inspiration from Ruthe Farmer's example and together, we can create a more inclusive, innovative and prosperous future for all.

For more information, email [email protected] or connect at Melissa Wolkenhauer .