Q + A with Astrid Lebron, 2006/7 New England Leadership Fellow

What has been the most significant aspect of the Leadership Institute for you?

I think that the self-evaluation and the 360-degree feedback has been the most eye-opening and useful piece. I think that we [the fellows] are all self-aware enough to know our areas of weakness but, like anyone, we try to hide from them or only deal with them if we absolutely have to. The process meant that you couldn't hide from the facts anymore, and it gave us a chance to be introspective. I had to face my challenges as a leader, deal with them, and make a plan. It's not just about being a leader; it's about being a good leader.

Tell us about your Leadership Initiative.

My leadership Initiative is to increase the diversity of my legal services agency. In December 2006, after I decided on my initiative, I was promoted to Director of Development, and part of my job is serving as the permanent co-chair of our agency's hiring committee. I still face plenty of challenges, but I'm now in a decision-making position that can help me achieve my goals.

Why did you want to participate in the Leadership Institute?

My executive director Steve Eppler-Epstein helped created the Leadership Institute. He told me about it, and it was very interesting to me. The goals of the Institute went directly to how I wanted to practice law and what I wanted my role to be within this organization. I've been with Connecticut Legal Services six and a half years. The Institute showed how I could influence things, even without vertical promotions. Horizontal opportunities could be just as meaningful in terms of moving my agenda.

Tell us about your mentor, Fran Fajana, and about the experience of having a mentor.

Fran is great. We're similar people, both very independent, so it's been a good match. Fran's given me space to pursue my goals. We talked a lot about my initiative. She's sensitive to these issues, and she knows what she's talking about, so I listen closely to what she has to say.

Also, it's just very motivating to see another woman of color in a position of power, using her power positively.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about the experience so far?

The Leadership Institute has just been really motivating and inspiring. It's been a really good, really positive experience. Everyone associated with the Institute, and every encounter, has left me motivated and feeling I can take on the world.