Dear Courageous Community,
I have made the brave decision to end my tenure with Changing Woman Initiative (CWI) at the end of 2023. My transition comes at a time in my life where I am expanding and growing as a global thought leader and innovator. As I reflect on the arc of my leadership, I was someone who was curious, resilient, transformative, and radically honest about my journey with CWI. During my time with Changing Woman Initiative, I have made incredible connections with leaders, community, and especially with birth families from many of the communities I served. Please know, as I have touched your lives, you have transformed mine. I am not the same person I was when I began this journey eleven years ago. My work with CWI has humbled me in unimaginable ways and has brought a heightened determination and courage that is encouraging me to expand.
I have immense gratitude and respect for those who have worked alongside me through the years, despite the many challenges we faced together. We now have an unshakable bond of respect, trust, honesty, and compassion for what each other carries in working for CWI. These values are the basis of what I leave behind as I step away from CWI. It is also the driving force behind the reorganization where leadership is decentralized and shared. I believe there can only be liberation through shared power and the work of CWI can only be done through this lens. Through a shared leadership model Changing Woman Initiative will carry on even as I step away to create another new emerging pathway for myself.
My immediate next steps beyond December 2023 are to rest and reconnect with my joy and creativity. It has taken an immense amount of energy to do this work for as long as I did. My life beyond CWI is going to take energy to emerge rested and ready to start my new journey as a global thought leader and innovator. I just know having the time and capacity to explore hidden talents is something I have never gifted myself before. I am excited for the possibilities of my new future. One step I have begun is attending classes for a PhD in Organizational Leadership, as I have found through my time working with CWI, that I really enjoy systems change and the psychology behind leadership and organizational design.
My advocacy work in Indigenous reproductive and maternal health justice still speaks to my soul; however, I am looking to expand and reposition myself in a way that allows me to connect directly with global partners and organizations. I know the work we have done through Changing Woman Initiative is a model for many and I am invested in sharing with those who wish to transform their communities in unique ways.
Ahéhee’ courageous community for supporting my evolution, transformation, and work through Changing Woman Initiative. My hope is that I left behind a legacy of hope and possibility for all tribal communities, maternal health policy advocates, and birthing people. What I take into the future is fierce bravery and honest curiosity. The world is my home.
With love and gratitude
Nicolle L Gonzales, CNM
Founder & Health Policy Director of Changing Woman Initiative
