Identity, Power & Intersectionality
This concept helps us understand how multiple identities shape our experiences and reveal patterns we might overlook
intersectionality
A set of connected structures and forces that shape people’s outcomes
a system
Seeing people who look like you in leadership influences belowing and possibility.
representation matters
This reminds us that wellness is shaped by access to support, not just personal habits.
Wellness as a justice issue
This happens when caring continues without support, boundaries, or rest.
burnout
Someone who uses self-awareness, values, and action to create impact.
a changemaker
This idea means that people’s everyday experiences are shaped by larger systems, not just personal choices.
the personal is political
The deeper issue underneath what we see on the surface
a root cause
This is powerful because it shapes beliefs, narratives, and what people think is possible.
storytelling
A common barrier where people doubt your abilities because of your identity.
Being underestimated
One major cause of burnout in helping work
Constant urgency and emotional labor
You need this ability because you can’t fix what you can’t see.
seeing systems
This class activity showed how identity influences who gets leadership opportunities.
who gets the ace?
This type of thinking pushes us to see the bigger picture instead of blaming individuals.
Systems thinking
The widely accepted story that reinforces power.
dominant narrative
The pressure to represent your entire group in leadership spaces.
Burden of representation
This isn’t a reward at the end, it’s what keeps people going.
Joy as strategy
This quality helps changemakers connect authentically with others.
empathy
This truth explains why leadership opportunities aren’t distributed equally.
systems privilege some groups over others
When unequal outcomes happen because of how a system is designed, not because someone intended harm
Structural injustice
What makes a story effective for social change?
being clear, authentic, and connected to values
Limits that protect your well-being and make sustainable leadership possible.
boundaries
This reminds us that healing happens with support, not isolation
Healing spreads in community
This truth reminds us that passion isn’t enough; you need rest and support, too.
sustainability matters
This myth claims leaders are born, not developed.
the natural-born leader myth
This type of analysis asks us to step back and look at the historical, economic, and social context.
Zooming out
Why does who tells the story matter?
identity shapes credibility and meaning
How lived experience shapes leadership
It creates insight, empathy, and perspective
This activity helped us to see the cost, support, boundaries, and joy in change work.
skittles activity
This truth explains why change cannot be done alone.
change is collective