Funding Recipient Spotlight: Professional Development Grant for Leadership Training

Posted in: Blog, Funding

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Please note: This is a guest post written by the grant awardee, Lisa Acuff, MPH, MSIS, AHIP. 

Leadership in health sciences libraries is vital to health information delivery and education. Lisa Acuff, a librarian at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center (HSLIC), recently completed a leadership program to become Dare to Lead Trained. This opportunity was funded by the NNLM Region 4’s Professional Development Award. The program is fitting for librarians because it teaches skills that inform the emotions surrounding information, values-based service, engagement with colleagues, and growth from mistakes.

The training consisted of eight, online workshops delivered by a certified Dare to Lead facilitator at the Rocky Mountain Center for Positive Change. These synchronous workshops involved pre-work, break out groups, group discussions, and application activities.

A significant benefit was learning with other professionals and leaders representing various sectors, including community foundations, city governments, public libraries, and family businesses. The collective wisdom and experience broadened Lisa’s perspective, and the group interactions helped her apply what she learned to her work at HSLIC.

Based on Brené Brown’s research, Dare to Lead^TM is an evidence-based program. It teaches skills, practices, and tools for courageous leadership, including vulnerability, living into values, braving trust, and learning to rise. Lisa intends to practice these concepts in the upcoming months. She created a 6-month leadership plan to visualize her intentions and goals, and she looks forward to continuing the lifelong journey of leadership and growth.

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If you are interested in obtaining funding for professional development, we are currently accepting applications for Year 4. Applications accepted and awarded on a rolling basis until February 16, 2025 at 5:00 pm MT or when the funds are depleted.

We are also accepting application for technology improvement and engagement and outreach projects. The deadline to apply is November 10, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. MT. Reach out to your state’s point of contact with any questions you may have.

• Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico – Dana Abbey
• Idaho, Montana, Utah – George Strawley
• North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming – David Brown

Planning on submitting an application? Reach out to John Bramble to assist you with a budget review.