WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP:
CHALLENGES, ADVERSITY,
EMPOWERMENT
CRYSTAL JOHNSON
WHO I AM NOT
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I did not sleep my way to the top.
I am not a superintendent to play dress-up
I wear high heels…
I really do care about kids.
My position was not handed to me.
I did not grow up with a ‘silver spoon.’
HARDWORK
+
INTELLIGENCE
+
DETERMINATION
= How I Got to Where I am Today!
EDUCATION
• Illinois State University (2006)
Special Education
• Eastern Illinois University (2009/2010)
Educational Leadership
Superintendent Endorsement
• Western Illinois University (2015)
Educational Leadership
• Illinois School of Advanced Leadership (2016)
PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCES
• 2006-2009 Special Education Teacher
3rd-5th Grades
11th Grade English
• 2009-2011 Assistant Superintendent/Principal
• 2011-Current Superintendent
MY STORY
Challenges and
Adversity
Through a
Personal Lens
Strong
Emphasis on
Empowerment
ADAPT, OVERCOME, & CONQUER
CHALLENGES:
• Female
• 26 Years Old
• 2.5 Years Teaching Experience
LESSONS LEARNED:
• Apply, Apply, Apply
• Practice, Practice, Practice
• CONFIDENCE!
NEGOTIATIONS
NEGOTIATIONS
• Everything is negotiable.
• Key Term: “We’re getting closer.”
• Don’t be forced to set the price.
• Ask for what is fair and reasonable.
STAFF
Staff Description:
• Lacked Guidance
• Teachers taught what they wanted.
• Revolving administration.
• Strong union.
Staff Needed:
• A leader.
• Someone to make the tough decisions.
• Someone to hold staff accountable.
STAFF
Male in the same position =
CONFIDENCE
Female =
B$%#%
THE RESULT
THE COMMUNITY
THE BIGGEST
CHALLENGE
NAMES
CHANGED
TO PROTECT
THE GUILTY
EXAMPLES
EXAMPLES
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLES
EXAMPLES
STAY STRONG AND
CONQUER
1. Built exceptional relationships with my
two secretaries.
2. Worked toward superintendent certificate.
3. Had an end in mind.
JULY 1, 2011
EXAMPLES
THE PERFECT
STORM
EXAMPLE
BOARD OF
EDUCATION
ELECTION
A NEW BOARD
1. Board training
2. Clear expectations for everyone
3. Functioning board
4. Discussed items at the board meeting
5. Everyone’s opinion valued
AS A RESULT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Negotiated two successful contracts
Completed a major building renovation
Eliminated a school building
Hired almost all new staff
Changed the culture within the building
Improved relationships across the board
“And once the storm is over, you won’t
remember how you made it through, how
you managed to survive. You wont even be
sure, whether the storm is really over. But
one thing is certain. When you come out
of the storm, you won’t be the same
person who walked in. That’s what this
storm’s all about.”
~ Haruki Murakami.
THE EXPERIENCE
CHANGED ME
1. The people who supported or didn’t
support me.
2. My outlook on women in leadership
roles.
3. He changed me.
WHAT IF???
…THIS WERE A MALE
IN THE SAME
POSITION
1. Would not of happened to that extent
2. Would have a larger support system
WOMEN SUPPORT
SYSTEM
• Not once in three years
• Beyond surface level conversation
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RESEARCH :
CHALLENGES TO
WOMEN IN
LEADERSHIP
Patriarchy
Gatekeepers
Selection Process
Glass Ceilings
Lack of Mentoring for Women
Family Expectations
Feminine Expectations
Societal Perceptions
THE REAL
CHALLENGE
• We act as our own biggest barriers.
• A terrible job of advocating for our
cause and supporting each other.
ADVOCATE
ADVOCATE
ADVOCATE
Two Examples Highlighting the Importance
of Advocating for Women in Leadership
EMPOWERMENT
Common Attitudes:
“It’s her own
“If I had to go
fault.”
through it then
she does.”
“If she is
strong enough
“Well, I lived
she will
through it.”
survive.”
TAKE FIVE
1. Find someone in the room you have
never met.
2. Take five minutes to talk with them.
3. Exchange contact information.
MY “AH HA”
MOMENT
1. Recognized I was repeating the same
behavior.
2. Female superintendent in the county
3. Young congresswoman
NOTHING MORE
POWERFUL
• Then a genuine connection.
• A handwritten message and your cell phone
number.
• Support
Those actions are powerful and meaningful….
EMPOWERMENT!!
WHO I AM
THE POST-IT NOTE
CHALLENGE
THE POST-IT NOTE
CHALLENGE