February asks a lot of us.
It holds Black History Month, a time to honor legacy, resistance, creativity, and the truth that progress has always been powered by community. It also holds Valentine’s Day, which quietly invites us to think about love in its many forms. Love for our people. Love for our work. Love for ourselves when the world feels heavy.
Many of us are carrying more than usual right now. The pace is relentless. The headlines are sobering. And yet, this month reminds us that care, mentorship, and inclusive leadership are not luxuries. They are necessities.
Inside Wishful Doing, we are leaning into that truth.
What’s Been Stirring Inside Wishful Doing
The work has continued steadily since January. It is not flashy. Not performative. Just intentional.
We have been building spaces and conversations that help leaders stay grounded, connected, and human while navigating complexity in higher education, nonprofits, and equity-centered work.
One of the brightest spots this month has been our recent podcast conversations.
Podcast Episodes Rooted in Mentorship and Hope
Our latest episodes centered on mentorship as a force that sustains leaders across seasons and generations.
In the episode with Dr. DeRionne Pollard, we talked about the mentors who shaped her leadership journey and the responsibility leaders have to reach back while moving forward. The conversation reminded us that no one leads alone and that wisdom is often passed quietly through relationships built on trust and care. To catch up on this series, start with Part 1.
In Part 2 with Gracie Armstrong, we explored what it means to be seen, encouraged, and supported early in your leadership journey. Gracie’s story was a powerful reminder that belief from others can change what we believe is possible for ourselves. Catch Part 2 here.
Today, the final installment in the series dropped. In Part 3, Gracie speaks from experience and shares how embracing guidance from a mentor can change your life's trajectory. Listen here.
These conversations are reminders that even in hard times, leadership can still be generous, relational, and rooted in purpose.
Coming Soon on the Podcast
We are also preparing to release upcoming episodes about reclaiming one's power at any age. These conversations will gently and honestly explore the powerful work of Back2theWater to help Black women overcome water trauma, engage in healing, and share the ways people reclaim themselves and their power.
They do not shy away from pain, but more importantly, they shine a light on hope, safety in the water, and restoration.
The Rise Room
The Rise Room remains a space for leaders who want room to breathe.
This month, the focus is on slowing down just enough to check in with yourself. To name what you are carrying. To reconnect with what matters most to you right now.
Inside the Rise Room, you will find reflection prompts, guided practices, and conversations designed to support renewal and realignment, not hustle.
For Impact Collective and Legacy Lab Members
If you are part of the Impact Collective or Legacy Lab, February offers tools designed for deeper work.
These resources are meant to help you think clearly when things feel complicated. To make decisions that align with your values. To lead in ways that feel sustainable, ethical, and grounded.
This is not about having all the answers. Instead, it is about having the support and structure to ask better questions and act with intention.
Members can now access February’s tools in their community spaces.
Thinking About Joining
If you are craving thoughtful community, meaningful conversations, and leadership development that centers humanity as much as strategy, this may be the right time to step inside The Wishful Doing Hub.
We are not interested in perfection; we are interested in people who want to lead with integrity and care.
Until Next Month
Thank you for being here. Thank you for choosing reflection over reaction and connection over isolation.
In times like these, leadership rooted in love, legacy, and mentorship matters more than ever.
With care,
The Wishful Doing Team
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