Pros
The program staff was amazing - knowledgeable, committed to advancing equity for low income girls of color, passionate. The regional director's were also incredibly intelligent, hard working, and committed.
Cons
Leadership values didn't align with the work being done in regions. Program staff was repeatedly stressed about not having enough time to fulfill new grants that came in, regional creativity on fundraising was squashed, and there was pressure to have more girls attend programs however program staff working in 4-5 schools and didn't have time to build deeper relationships at schools. On top of this, the pay gap between program staff working directly with girls/partners and leadership was vast. Program staff was extremely underpaid for the work and value they did. This caused unease, distrust, and difficult with leadership. Leadership seemed unwilling to listen or pivot. This felt rooted in ego and trying to gain notoriety vs. doing community-based work.