Dr. Ronda Taylor Bullock: Leading with Joy

Dr. Ronda Taylor Bullock is the co-founder and Lead Curator (Executive Director) of we are, a non-profit organization that provides anti-racism training for children, families, and educators. Her core values are justice, wisdom, and spirituality, which are evident throughout this conversation. Ronda is a 2021 Transforming Leaders graduate.

“My time with Transforming Leaders allowed me to slow down. I spent more energy looking at the bigger picture, setting intentions, and working with others to consider which systems needed to be in place so that we could have the greatest impact.”

We invite you to continue reading and learn more about this month’s Fellow Spotlight, Dr. Ronda Taylor Bullock.

What was the primary impact of the Transforming Leaders program on your life?
Transforming Leaders afforded me the opportunity to work on my organization, we are, rather than work for the organization. As the executive director, much of my time was consumed by programming, fundraising, attending meetings, etc. This was important work, and it fulfilled immediate needs. However, my time with Transforming Leaders allowed me to slow down. I spent more energy looking at the bigger picture, setting intentions, and working with others to consider which systems needed to be in place so that we could have the greatest impact.

Did you make any meaningful connections during or after the program?
Yes, I made several meaningful connections during the program. I also spent more time with other dope leaders that I had previously known but had never worked with.

How do you show up as a leader in your organization?
I show up as a leader who values creating a liberatory work environment. No one on our team has ever experienced that type of setting before working at we are, so we are co-creating what that looks like for us. For example, we have a core value around centering the voices of marginalized communities while decentering whiteness.

I lead from a place of love and logic, ensuring that the impact on people is prioritized over profit. I make decisions in community with our staff, but I also navigate situations where my team is looking for me to have the final word. Balance is key.

Lastly, I show up as a leader who values joy and laughter. This keeps all of us connected to our dignity and humanity. Engaging in anti-racism work is a balance of heavy and lightness. It’s important that we center experiences that contribute to our happiness and overall well-being.

How do you feel you make an impact in the community?
I make an impact by being a present, consistent force in the community. I hope the work I lead with my team at we are helps people show up in ways that disrupt white supremacy and the status quo in their schools, jobs, and communities.

If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
As an avid reader, this is tough. I choose This Here Flesh by Cole Arthur Riley because much of the text resonates with me, is inspiring, and there are so many quotables!

I also choose Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr because I had so much fun reading that text with my kids when they were little. It brings back joyful memories. I can still see my kids and hear their voices as we would read the book aloud.

What is one fun fact about yourself?
One fun fact about me is I was on a back-to-back state championship basketball team in high school, Chatham Central. Our team was the first to win a championship in the Dean Dome at UNC because the women’s teams were previously not allowed to play there.