BOARD
LEADERS
"At Metropolitan, we believe that to lead, we must serve. We know from experience that serving makes those we serve and us stronger."- Ric Estrada, Metropolitan Family Services CEO
Kirk James
Board Member,Metropolitan Family Services
W. Kirk James joined the Metropolitan Family Services Board of Directors 16 years ago, and “from the get-go” he recognized the importance of the mission. “I tiptoed into it,” Kirk says, “and over time was introduced to opportunities to get involved.” Once Kirk retired, his lifestyle changed but his commitment to Metropolitan didn’t. He met with our CEO, Ric Estrada, hoping to identify a way he could meaningfully contribute his time and his strategic knowledge. He found it.
In June, the Mpowered Leadership Academy graduated its inaugural class of eight leaders at Metropolitan Calumet, based on a program curriculum developed by Kirk and Metropolitan Calumet Executive Director Audrena Spence.
At the graduation event, both teams shared their ideas: one around employee morale and empowerment, and the other around improving referrals within programs across Metropolitan. Ric attended the graduation, and shared his appreciation for the thought and work that went into the ideas. “Your recommendations are not only being taken to heart, but we need to work with you to think about how they need to be implemented moving forward,” he said.
“What was so gratifying was how good they were about being respectful of each other, and they felt really good about themselves," Kirk says. "It’s great when you can maximize performance and let people shine.”
LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
» “I was able to leverage my experience and knowledge, roll up my sleeves and do the work with Audrena,” Kirk says. He developed a SWOT analysis and a strategic plan, and supported Audrena in building out a framework for the program. Singing Audrena’s praises as an engaged leader, he says “my function was to give her as many good ideas as I could.”
» “It was great to come together and work teams because it gave them a broader lens on what Metropolitan does.” Kirk met with the groups regularly, and saw a collaborative environment emerge. “It opened up their minds to a different way of thinking about things, to think more strategically. We taught them how to talk through ideas, energized them around their work.”
The goals for the Mpowered Leadership Academy prioritized leader engagement and sustainability.
» “Train the trainer” model: positioning alumni as teachers for future cohorts and the initiative itself for growth across the agency
» “Real-world,” team-focused curriculum: involving participants in developing executable plans to address what they see as key challenges at Metropolitan
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- “Thank you Kirk for role modeling collaboration, responsive communication and accountability to our Leadership Cohort. Thank you for being our role model for advocacy.” – Gernell Turner
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- “Kirk, you’ve led us by example in our quest to develop our leadership abilities and have passed down knowledge and skills that will stay with us throughout our professional journeys. Your contribution to our growth has been immeasurable and gratefully appreciated.” – Hillary Gimpel
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- “Kirk – they say that time is invaluable. There fore the time and full effort that you’ve put into supporting our cohort is very much appreciated.” – Ida Samuel-Clay
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- “I would like to thank Kirk for his leadership and motivating us to become better leaders. Kirk you have dedicated your time and knowledge to assist us with our growth. We thank you for your commitment and the opportunity to learn from you.” – Jonathan Mixson
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- “Mr. Kirk, thank you for your efforts, time and attention. You are a very effective mentor. You have become one of my life models.” – Rosario Khan
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- “Thank you Kirk for leading and guiding us with our projects and for helping us grow into better leaders. Your expertise is much appreciated and we are grateful to have such a wonderful mentor!” – Carmen Tirado
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- “I want to thank Kirk James for supporting, encouraging, educating, and motivating us during the first leadership program. Your presence and ability to make yourself available to share your knowledge is greatly appreciated!” – Cynthia Phillips
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- Andre Cosey
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- Rosemary Gayton
Metropolitan
Family
Services