United Way of Acadiana’s Women United plans community-wide read

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What would happen if 1,400 women in Acadiana read the ultimate playbook for developing brave leaders and courageous cultures?
Brené Brown has spent 20 years studying courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy. She recently completed a seven-year study on brave leadership.
Frances McIntosh, Louisiana’s only Brené Brown-certified facilitator, will speak at the Dare to Read kick-off event at 3 p.m. June 15 at Barnes and Noble in Lafayette. McIntosh will lead the group in exercises and share some of the wisdom and insights she has gained from her training with Brown.
“Leadership is not about titles or the corner office. It’s about the willingness to step up, put yourself out there, and lean into courage,” Brown said. “The world is desperate for braver leaders. It’s time for all of us to step up.”
Women United, an integral part of United Way of Acadiana, is a diverse, vibrant community of women focused on advocacy, education, literacy and fighting for change to improve the lives of people in Acadiana. Women United has selected Brown’s new book “Dare to Lead” as its Dare to Read summer project. From June 14 through July 14, Women United is working to have at least 1,400 women (men are welcome, too!) in Acadia, Lafayette, St. Martin and Vermilion parishes read and discuss Brown’s book.
“While this book can be applied to corporations, it’s also about the kind of everyday leadership used by people everywhere that changes the world,” said Miriam Bourgeois, chair of Women United and United Way of Acadiana board member. “Brené Brown focuses much of this book on being your authentic self — it’s an important message.”
Cheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook and founder of LeanIn.org, says she considers the book a roadmap for anyone who wants to lead mindfully, live bravely and dare to lead.
“Our goal is to inspire women to foster a sense of community and discussion throughout Acadiana,” said Bourgeois. “We invite everyone to read the book and discuss in homes, businesses, civic organizations, existing book clubs, libraries, schools, non-profits and other organizations.”
How to get involved? Simply go to www.unitedwayofacadiana.org/dare-read and fill out the short form to register, then download the reading guides and set a date with your group to meet and discuss. Groups are invited to discuss the book in one or multiple meetings — or even virtually.
Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston where she holds the Huffington–Brené Brown Endowed Chair.
She has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy and is the author of five New York Times bestsellers: The Gifts of Imperfection, Daring Greatly, Rising Strong, Braving the Wilderness, and Dare to Lead, released in October 2018. Her Ted Talk on vulnerability is one of the most watched with more than 35 million views.