“Over the past two years, I feel like I have grown immensely and returned to my essential passion for leadership.”
Derek Edamura, Cascadia Media Labs
Two years ago, I was selected to participate in the Murdock Charitable Trust's Leaders of Color Cohort alongside eleven other leaders from across the Pacific Northwest. What began as a commitment to quarterly gatherings and shared learning became one of the most transformative leadership experiences of my life.
Over the past two years, our cohort came together regularly to learn, reflect, challenge ourselves, and support one another. While the program offered incredible opportunities for leadership development, the true strength of the experience was found in the relationships we built with one another.
Leadership can often feel isolating, especially for leaders of color navigating complex systems, organizations, and communities. This cohort created something different. It created a space where we could show up authentically, share our successes and struggles, and learn from the collective wisdom of the group. We were not simply participants in a program; we became a community.
Each person in our cohort brought unique experiences, perspectives, and gifts. Their stories challenged me to think differently. Their courage inspired me to lead with greater clarity and conviction. Their vulnerability reminded me that leadership is not about having all the answers but about being willing to grow, listen, and adapt.
As the founder and executive director of Cascadia Media Labs, I often think deeply about how we build spaces where people can learn, create, and belong. This cohort reinforced the importance of community-centered leadership. I leave this experience with a deeper understanding that meaningful leadership is rooted in relationships, trust, and our willingness to invest in one another's growth.
Looking back, it's difficult to measure the full impact this experience has had on me. Some lessons came through formal discussions, others emerged through conversations over meals, moments of encouragement during challenging times, or witnessing how my peers approached their own leadership journeys. Together, these experiences have shaped me into a more thoughtful, confident, and intentional leader.
More importantly, they have reminded me that leadership is not a destination. It is an ongoing practice of learning, reflection, and service.
As our cohort officially comes to a close, I find myself feeling immense gratitude. Gratitude for the Murdock Charitable Trust for investing in all of us. Gratitude to our facilitators who guided our journey. And most of all, gratitude for my fellow cohort members whose generosity, wisdom, and friendship have left a lasting mark on my life.
While the program may be ending, the relationships and lessons will continue far beyond these two years. I carry forward not only new tools and insights, but also a network of remarkable leaders who have become trusted colleagues, mentors, and friends.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I am a better leader because of you.
Here's to the next chapter.
