Hello, AEA365 community! Liz DiLuzio here, Lead Curator of the blog. This week is Individuals Week, which means we take a break from our themed weeks and spotlight the Hot Tips, Cool Tricks, Rad Resources and Lessons Learned from any evaluator interested in sharing. Would you like to contribute to future individuals weeks? Email me at AEA365@eval.org with an idea or a draft and we will make it happen.
Hello! My name is Rhonda Williams, Ph.D., and I’ve been an AEA member since 2017. As evaluators, we know the importance of collaboration and community. These values guide not only our work but also how we grow as professionals and leaders in our field. My journey has led me to take on new roles, including becoming a new AEA board member. Each step has taught me that true leadership is not about taking on everything yourself—it’s about creating space for others, amplifying diverse voices, and fostering shared membership.
Lesson Learned
One thing I’ve learned is that leadership doesn’t start when you feel “ready”—it starts when you say yes! Early on, I hesitated to raise my hand, feeling like I needed more experience or knowledge. But I’ve come to realize that leadership is about learning as you go, leaning on others for support, and contributing your unique perspective. Every evaluator has something to offer.
Take inspiration from the Evaluation 2025 conference theme, Engaging Community, Sharing Leadership! Think about how you can engage your community and share leadership in your networks. For example, what would it look like for your TIG to collaborate with another TIG to address cross-cutting issues in evaluation? How could you bring in new voices or perspectives? Big changes often start with bold ideas—and sharing them with others is the first step.
Hot Tips
Start small and build from there. Volunteer to plan a session or lead an initiative in your TIG. Attend a local affiliate event and share your ideas. Each of these steps connects you to others, builds your confidence, and positions you to take on larger roles. Check out the opportunities AEA offers, these spaces are rich with ways to get involved, learn from peers, and make an impact. Complete this form to sign up to volunteer. Leadership grows one contribution at a time.
Call to Action
As we begin 2025, I challenge each of us to think about how we can step up and support one another. Leadership is not a solo journey; it’s a shared one. Whether you’re new to evaluation or a seasoned professional, there’s a place for you in shaping the future of our field.
- Think about how you can step into or expand your leadership role.
- Explore opportunities through TIGs, local affiliates, or mentoring others.
- Watch for upcoming town halls to learn more about growing as a leader.
Let’s build together—through our TIGs, local affiliates, and broader AEA community—and create the kind of shared leadership that transforms not only how we work but who we are as evaluators. Whether you’re new to leadership or looking to take the next step, we’re here to support you! Reach out to any board member if you need ideas or suggestions—we’ve all been where you are, and we’re here to help. Stay tuned for our upcoming town halls—great opportunities to connect and learn more about growing as a leader in our field!
Do you have questions, concerns, kudos, or content to extend this aea365 contribution? Please add them in the comments section for this post on the aea365 webpage so that we may enrich our community of practice. Would you like to submit an aea365 Tip? Please send a note of interest to aea365@eval.org . aea365 is sponsored by the American Evaluation Association and provides a Tip-a-Day by and for evaluators. The views and opinions expressed on the AEA365 blog are solely those of the original authors and other contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the American Evaluation Association, and/or any/all contributors to this site.