It’s no secret that women kick butt. Yet, women often face disproportionate challenges to fulfill leadership positions.
In light of these obstacles, the Kathy Barnett Leadership Grant, presented by the Whistler Community Foundation (WCF), was created to encourage the professional development of women working in the Sea to Sky corridor. Particularly, it focuses on women involved in charitable organizations so that their learned leadership skills benefit our communities.
As the Sea to Sky is full of inspiring, rad women, we’re very happy that our very own Erin Galloway (Field Crew Assistant Manager) is the 2021 Grant recipient – although we can’t say we’re very surprised either. With the support of WCF, Erin is now enrolled in the Leadership Development Program at Athabasca University.
Nearly halfway through her program, we checked in to learn a little bit about her experience.
How did you come to apply for the Kathy Barnett Leadership Grant?
I have been working with SSISC for the past couple of years, starting as a crew member and now finding myself in the Assistant Manager position for our field program. Before starting this new position, Clare, our executive director, encouraged me to apply for this opportunity. As someone who is new to a leadership role, I was very excited to apply for this grant. It is not every day that you are presented with an opportunity to gain valuable professional development!
How has your experience been so far? 
I am about halfway through the course now and I have found it very educational and helpful! The first half of the course has focused on communication and adapting your leadership style to best serve your team. It has given me an opportunity to learn and practice behaviours that make an effective leader.
This course focuses on being a servant leader, meaning the goal of the leader is to serve their employees to allow them to thrive and grow in their roles.
What do you hope to walk away with?
I hope to walk away with new skills I can apply to my current and future leadership roles. I want to improve my communication skills, as well as develop leadership qualities that will create a work environment of trust, collaboration, and competence for our field team. I believe that this course will provide me with an opportunity to develop these skills. I am incredibly grateful to have received the Kathy Barnett Leadership Grant from the Whistler Community Foundation.
We’re so excited for Erin, the opportunity she has been given, the growth she has experienced, and the ways in which she will make the world a better place. And isn’t that what it’s all about?
Many thanks to the Whistler Community Foundation! 
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