By Sr. Monique Tarabah, USA (Province of Mid-North America)

Leadership is not about titles or positions it is about the power within us to create change wherever we are.

My journey with the Leadership Collaborative has been one of transformation, growth, and profound gratitude. This initiative is dedicated to fostering a new way of leadership among women religious, emphasizing collaboration, inclusivity and transformative action. Its vision is to cultivate leaders who are deeply rooted in their charisms, responsive to the needs of the world, and capable of leading with courage and humility.

Through participating in the Collaborative Leadership Development Program (CLDP), I engaged in structured learning about leadership dynamics. This foundational experience prepared me for my evolving roles as a coach, mentor, and presenter within the Leadership Collaborative.

The CLDP program was a turning point in my leadership development. Through its modules, I deepened my understanding of transformative leadership and learned how to navigate complex power dynamics within religious life. The program challenged me to embrace a leadership style rooted in vulnerability, active listening, and communal discernment.

As I progressed, I found myself drawn to mentoring and coaching, recognizing the power of accompanying others on their leadership journeys. Today, I am privileged to serve as both a mentor and presenter, sharing insights into interculturality, collaboration, and the evolving landscape of religious leadership.

One of the milestones in this journey with the Leadership Collaborative was contributing to the book Leaders of Hope, a collection of reflections on contemporary leadership within religious life. My chapter, Empowered by Faith, explores how faith and mission serve as catalysts for transformative leadership.

Writing this chapter allowed me to reflect on my former role in communications for Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd. In this role, I witnessed firsthand how effective communication fosters unity, inspires change, and amplifies the voices of those on the margins. This experience reinforced my belief that leadership and communication are deeply intertwined.

Throughout my journey, I have been profoundly shaped by the exemplary leadership of women who have paved the way for transformative change. In our congregation, I have experienced women leaders who are beacons of wisdom and strength, leading with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Observing such leadership – that is both prophetic and deeply human – is an invaluable lesson in balancing authority with humility and vision with practicality.

My experiences with the Leadership Collaborative have also deepened my understanding of global sisterhood and cross-charism collaboration. In a rapidly changing world, the ability to work across congregations and cultures is essential for the future of religious life. The Leadership Collaborative has provided a space where women religious from diverse backgrounds come together to learn, share and co-create a more inclusive and responsive model of leadership. This has reinforced my conviction that true leadership is not about individual achievement – rather it is about fostering a collective vision for the common good.

I cherish the insights I have gained through the Leadership Collaborative and look forward to continuing to contribute to this movement. Leadership is a continuous journey of learning and self-reflection, and I am deeply honored to walk this path alongside so many inspiring women. True leadership embodies hope, transformation and faith in action. It is not merely a position, it is a belief, a commitment to making a difference wherever we are.