Title: Barbara Schifano Talks SHE Leads

“Constructing SHE Leads for the American Foundation for Women (AFW) has been an amazing
personal experience for myself, using the inspiration from my job as director of leadership and
development and channeling with University of Phoenix and pulling that into a program launch
for the women of Arizona is just phenomenal.”

Our very own Director of Leadership & Development Barbara Schifano has devoted the last ten
months organizing and constructing SHE Leads, a women-focused leadership and development
program. Barbara has served on the board of directors for the American Foundation for Women
since January 2020.

This is the first time the Arizona Foundation for Women is hosting the SHE Leads, and Barbara
is largely in control of the program’s transition and redesign. She was a perfect fit for the job as
she has extensive leadership experience and always finds a way to better the experience and
education of those around her.

“Leaders are chosen for their ability to make an impact.,” said Barbara Schifano, Board of
Directors for AFW and SHE Leads! program chair. “This program is designed to teach women
the fundamentals of leadership to make an impact through increased self-awareness,
accelerating team performance, and advancing organizational success through strategic
partnerships.”

SHE Leads is a six-month development program, designed for women, by women, that offers
female professionals the opportunity to further their career through hands-on leadership training
and mentorship.The program is made up of three major components: Fundraising, Leadership
and Mentorship.

Fundraising
Women selected for the 2021 SHE Leads! class will work together as a cohort to fundraise
throughout their six month experience. As a nonprofit foundation, SHE Leads! will donate a
percentage of the money raised to local organizations in Arizona that support the safety, health
and economic empowerment of women, in line with AFW’s mission.

Leadership/Mentorship
Each woman involved in SHE Leads! will learn 12 competencies in monthly meetings, receive a
work-ready headshot and receive a mentor to assist them in bringing what they have learned
into their real life experiences.

This program runs January through June in 2021, and is ideal for women who desire to move
into a leadership position, move to the next level of management or who are new to leadership
and would benefit from a formal training experience. Applications may be submitted from
Monday, Oct. 12 through Friday, Oct. 30.