In a world the place management is just too typically outlined by place and energy, Dafina Ward stands as a shining instance of grace, grit, and radical empathy. Because the Government Director of the Southern AIDS Coalition, she leads not simply with imaginative and prescient, however with coronary heart—anchored in a perception that humanity should all the time come first. Her superpower is empathy, however her impression reaches far past compassion; it fuels systemic change, cultivates future leaders, and redefines what it means to be highly effective.
On this unique Sister with Superpowers function, Ward opens up concerning the private trials that sharpened her management edge, the faith-filled rituals that preserve her grounded, and her unwavering dedication to creating house for others to rise. From confronting imposter syndrome to remodeling trauma into triumph, Ward’s story is a testomony to the therapeutic energy of authenticity and the generational ripple impact of intentional mentorship.
She reminds us that being “human collectively” just isn’t a weak point—it’s a revolution.
Each Sister with Superpowers possesses distinctive presents that rework lives and communities. What are your distinct superpowers, and the way do they manifest in your work and management? How have you ever harnessed these powers to create change in your subject?
I imagine empathy is my superpower. I all the time inform my group and colleagues that we have to be “human” collectively first to be able to be most impactful in doing mission-driven work. While you overpassed the humanity of others, it turns into evident in each facet of your work. I hear folks in my subject describe me as a “peacemaker”. At occasions I’ve seen my heart-led strategy as a weak point, however not understand that it makes me a powerful, compassionate, and accountable chief.
What defining second woke up these superpowers, and the way did you domesticate the braveness to totally embrace them in your skilled journey?
Over a decade in the past I had somebody attain out to me for assist round a really private matter. She had noticed me from a distance and determined I might be trusted based mostly on that. It was an enormous lesson within the significance of authenticity and all the time remembering that we don’t know who’s watching at any second—and that each motion could make an impression.
Share a pivotal problem that examined your resilience. How did you rework that impediment into a possibility for development and management?
Once I was a university scholar I used to be in an abusive relationship. I mirror on these years now with satisfaction in my means to beat that circumstance, however for years I felt ashamed that I “let” somebody deal with me that method. I transferred the blame to the place it belonged, and that’s how I encourage others. We’re greater than our circumstances and experiences, and now we have to lean into the facility of being a survivor and overcomer.
How do you preserve stability between constructing your legacy and prioritizing self-care? What rituals or practices preserve you grounded and energized?
I’m dedicated to quiet time earlier than beginning my day. Prayer, studying scripture, and an off-the-cuff stroll are essential earlier than launching into the duties and challenges that lie forward. Spending time with my household–date nights with my husband and laughter and lengthy talks with my daughters—all of that fuels me.
Describe a time when imposter syndrome threatened to dim your gentle. What knowledge would you share with different girls going through related doubts?
I actually struggled with whether or not I used to be the suitable particular person to steer Southern AIDS Coalition. Being an Government Director appeared so daunting, and the imposter syndrome instructed me I used to be ill-equipped and never the suitable particular person. I might inform anybody to belief your presents, construct a “kitchen cupboard” with individuals who can present suggestions, accountability, and assist. Don’t fall into the lure of believing you need to have all of the solutions!
In constructing institutional change, what methods have you ever employed to create sustainable impression whereas nurturing the following era of leaders?
Institutional change begins one particular person at a time. At an organizational degree, it’s vital to ascertain a mixture of insurance policies and practices that embody the specified values for transformation are essential. Creating house for mentorship and bidirectional intergenerational studying is vital to transformation—and sustainability of useful packages and constructions.
How do you strategy wealth constructing and monetary empowerment? What monetary classes do you would like you had realized earlier in your journey?
I want I’d realized earlier the significance of investing in myself. Save somewhat one thing each time you receives a commission, don’t be afraid to monetize your expertise outdoors of your 9 to five, and be unapologetic in sticking to your priorities and objectives. Pursuing alternatives for skilled improvement must be in your calendar similar to different duties. Go after scholarships for conferences, fellowships, and certifications that align together with your objectives, expertise, and curiosity.
Inform us about your strategy to mentorship and group constructing. How do you create areas that empower different girls to step into their greatness?
I’m a giant believer in mentorship, teaching, and in search of out significant relationships. It’s vital for ladies to assist each other as accountability companions from a holistic lens. My closest skilled colleagues additionally test in on my well-being, my household, and the private issues that matter to me. We genuinely care about one other’s success—whether or not it’s knowledgeable achievement or private victory. I imagine there is no such thing as a larger energy than letting girls know that their fullness is welcome and all of it contributes to their greatness.
Trying ahead, what rising alternatives do you see for Black girls to make an unprecedented impression in your subject and past?
Black girls have already made unprecedented contributions to the HIV motion and in public well being. Sadly, it’s typically not acknowledged or acknowledged. Black girls are main organizations, advocating for his or her communities, and provoking others via their brilliance and boldness. With the onslaught of political threats in opposition to our communities I encourage Black girls to prioritize their very own wellness. These are unprecedented occasions, and but, Black girls have been leaders and the activators of change in each earlier troublesome second and motion on this nation. That is the season for stability—to be change brokers and to prioritize our wellness for the lengthy haul.