Studies Find Role Models Inspire Women To Achieve Educational and Career Success
SAN DIEGO — Really, does the world need another awards program? For women striving for success after overcoming domestic violence, addiction, mental illness and homelessness, the answer is yes.
In conjunction with Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, Leap to Success launches its new “I Leap Award” to recognize bold women in the San Diego region whose achievements can help inspire other women to break through barriers and take courageous action.
“Role models aren’t typically people whose stories make it into the news,” said Dana Bristol-Smith, Founder and Executive Director of Leap To Success. “Or perhaps they are prominent figures, but no one knows how they took their first brave steps and made the eventual ‘leap’ which started them down the road to the success we see and admire today.
“Our goal with the “I Leap Awards” is to seek out women role models who have overcome significant challenges, and offer a platform to put them in the spotlight. In this way, they can serve as role models and inspire other women like the ones served by our programs who are fighting to find their own way,” said Bristol-Smith.
Bristol-Smith explains the awards program and the nomination process in this video. Nominations are due by October 1.
A significant number of psychology studies show that we learn through modeling others. A study in the journal Psychology of Women Quarterly found women benefit more than men from having same-gender examples of success. A second study showed having adult role models impacts not only how you perceive yourself but also how others perceive you.
The Selection Committee is looking for women nominees who meet the following criteria:
- Has achieved significant personal and career goals, possibly as the first woman to do so.
- Has overcome adversity/broken through barriers in her own life, such as poverty, cultural, gender, domestic abuse, illness, homelessness, substance abuse, or another major life challenge.
- Is an inspiring role model to women.
- Is a leader in her community and/or her organization.
Learn more about the I Leap Award and Download Nomination Form.
Award recipients selected will receive the “I Leap Award” pin featuring the organization’s symbol and mascot, “Leaping Lucy,” and will be asked to share their advice in a video interview. All of the recipients will have their interviews featured on the Leap to Success YouTube channel and Facebook page to inspire other women.
“There are many perfectly wonderful awards lunches and dinners, but by focusing on storytelling via social media, we can make these role models accessible to so many more women who would not be able to attend a typical awards luncheon,” explained Bristol-Smith. Video presentations featuring the “I Leap Award” recipients will debut throughout October.
“Awards can really matter. Public recognition can get people talking and spark important conversations which lead to new ideas and new opportunities where they didn’t exist before,” said Bristol-Smith.
