In partnership with Vital Voices Global Partnership, University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service graduate student Anna Applebaum researched the effectiveness of peer-to-peer exchange as a tool for women’s leadership development.
Applebaum spent four months as a McLarty Global Fellow, working in concert with Vital Voices’ Impact, Evaluation and Research Department and the VVLead Fellowship Program team. In this role, she conducted extensive research on women’s leadership development practices and the value of peer learning and peer-to-peer exchanges. Following a thorough literature review, Applebaum analyzed survey data and conducted in-depth interviews with VVLead participants to understand the effectiveness of the program’s peer-to-peer exchange methodology.
Applebaum developed a white paper on VVLead’s peer-to-peer exchange strategy, filling a gap in existing scholarship on such exchanges used specifically for women leaders. Her review focused on peer-to-peer exchanges’ value in developing leadership identity, role models, and networks. Additionally, Applebaum helped create a set of practice notes for planning and implementing peer-to-peer exchange to share with other practitioners. She also developed recommendations for future VVLead programming as well as established protocols for future research.
“Anna has served as an invaluable member of the VVLead Fellowship Program team,” said Emma Hersh, Senior Program Manager, Department of Global Programs at Vital Voices Global Partnership. “Her diligence, work ethic and academic rigor when researching and evaluating the peer-to-peer exchange methodology have strengthened VVLead’s model and the impact of the program going forward.”
Applebaum completed the project as part of her capstone project, the final of three major field service projects completed during the Clinton School Masters of Public Service degree program. Her other field service work includes a project with the East Arkansas Planning and Development District (EAPDD) and work with the Rwandan Orphans Project in Kigali, Rwanda.
About Vital Voices
Vital Voices Global Partnership is the preeminent non-governmental organization (NGO) that identifies, trains and empowers emerging women leaders and social entrepreneurs around the globe, enabling them to create a better world for us all. Their mission is to identify, invest in and bring visibility to extraordinary women around the world by unleashing their leadership potential to transform lives and accelerate peace and prosperity in their communities.
More information about Vital Voices Global Partnership can be found at http://www.vitalvoices.org/
About VVLead
The VVLead Fellowship Program supports a global network of emerging and established women leaders who provide unusual and sustainable solutions to pressing problems that have impeded women and girls’ progress to participate fully in society and the economy.
More information about VVLead can be found at http://www.vitalvoices.org/VVLeadFellowship