Celebrating a New Role for Pathway Alum Carmera Thomas-Wilhite
At Planet Women, the work we do stems from what we know: women’s inclusion and leadership in environmental decision-making is good for nature and communities. We created the 100 Women Pathway to elevate more women, especially women of color, into C-suite roles across the environmental sector. In 2022, we launched the 100 Women Pathway with two cohorts of rising leaders nominated by women CEOs.
The 100 Women Pathway focuses on identifying and overcoming the barriers and challenges that are unique to women and women of color. Throughout the program, women leaders explore their personal journeys and get an introduction to regenerative leadership principles and ways of transforming cultures. Participants also benefit from customized programming including skill-building workshops, engagement with women CEOs, peer mentoring, and coaching sessions.
Ten months after the Pathway launched, Carmera Thomas-Wilhite of the inaugural 100 Women Pathway cohort successfully made the leap into a senior leadership role, joining the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) as their first Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice. You can read CBF’s media release here.
Carmera Thomas-Wilhite. © Carmera Thomas-Wilhite.
If you asked Carmera a year ago if this is where she would be today, she wouldn’t have imagined being in this position. Prior to the 100 Women Pathway, she didn’t envision herself in a senior leadership role, believing she wasn’t ready yet—a belief we hear from so many accomplished women. What changed her perspective?
Carmera says it was her mentors. “I didn't consider the offer until I was chatting with Janet [Nguyen, SVP of the 100 Women Pathway] and a personal mentor. They asked me questions about my accomplishments, my work, and my progression in my career over the years. It wasn't until I heard those things spoken aloud about myself that I realized how hard I worked, and that I was deserving of this leadership opportunity.”
As Carmera went through the process of applying and interviewing for the role, she began to understand her own strengths and how they aligned with the position. “That understanding led me to realize I was the one for the job.”
In her new role, Carmera has significant influence in shaping the internal culture at CBF and building relationships with partners. She strives to be a role model for any leader who aspires to meaningfully engage underrepresented communities.
Carmera is a shining example that advancing women in leadership is possible when we combine belief and opportunity. Historically and even today, the cultures of many organizations—in the environmental space and beyond—have made it difficult for women to believe in their leadership potential and have opportunities to realize it. At Planet Women, we believe a long-overdue transformation is taking place and that momentum is building and propelling women’s leadership forward. Planet Women will continue pushing for change and celebrating the wins.
Congratulations to Carmera and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation!
While you're here...Learn more about Planet Women’s strategy for creating a healthy planet for all life.
Meet the rising women leaders in the 100 Women Pathway.
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Watch the recording of our “Leadership for a Thriving Future” event from International Women’s Day 2023. This discussion features Carmera Thomas-Wilhite and fellow 100 Women Pathway cohort member Charlene Eigen-Vasquez.