Equity-grounded leadership (EGL) stems from the understanding that the current systems are unjust. It empowers leaders to mobilize themselves and others to create positive change. Equity-grounded leadership begins with courageous inquiry of personal and professional biases that impact how one views oneself and others. Through their work with CBHL, leaders learn how to influence others to create resilient communities and promote healing.
The EGL Executive Coaching Program builds on the EGL Fellow Program, tailored for leadership teams. This dynamic program brings teams together to strengthen their commitment to equity, offering a flexible approach that fits the busy lives of today’s leaders. Together, they learn to embody and champion equity-grounded leadership principles, driving meaningful change from within.
Equity-grounded leadership is based on a deep understanding of existing disparities and is essential for advancing health equity outcomes.
Current data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reveal stark disparities in access to behavioral health services and outcomes across different demographic groups.* These studies consistently show that marginalized communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, face greater barriers to accessing behavioral health services and experience poorer health outcomes compared to their counterparts. In response, leaders equipped with equity-grounded skills play a crucial role in addressing these disparities.* “Getting Grounded: Building a Foundation for Health Equity and Racial Justice Work in Health Care Teams,” an article in NEJM,” along with research studies such as “Catalyzing Leadership for Equity” by the Urban Institute, emphasizes the pivotal role of equity-grounded leadership in behavioral health organizations. These sources underscore how such leadership is crucial for enabling the delivery of culturally responsive and accessible behavioral health services, ultimately resulting in improved outcomes for underserved populations. By prioritizing fairness, justice, and inclusivity in decision-making processes, resource allocation, and policy development, equity-grounded leaders create environments where all individuals have equitable access to quality behavioral health care. This not only leads to tangible improvements in health outcomes but also fosters trust, engagement, and empowerment within behavioral health systems, ultimately contributing to a more equitable distribution of behavioral health resources and outcomes for everyone.
*Behavioral Health by Race and Ethnicity: Results from the 2021-2023 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health
*Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Behavioral Health: Results from the 2021 and 2022 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health
The College for Behavioral Health Leadership (CBHL) believes equity, justice, and humanity are needed to address the root causes that perpetuate mental illness and substance use. We believe that communities have the capacity to build solutions. Recognizing that leaders and organizations need support to be able to take on transformational system change rooted in equity, the Equity-Grounded Leadership (EGL) Fellow Program concept was co-produced with cross-sector behavioral health leaders from around the country and piloted in 2022. Program development included a literature review, environmental scan, and key informant interviews, all of which were used to guide the creation of program components and the first version of program competencies, or Principles of Change.
The Principles of Change were continuously refined throughout the pilot program with fellow input and based on cohort experience. Each principle is associated with necessary knowledge, values, skills, and operational practice behaviors. The Principles of Change guided the Fellows’ work throughout the program, as well as their ongoing journey to become equity-grounded leaders. As of 2024, CBHL has supported two cohorts of fellows and is recently launched a third cohort of the EGL Fellow Program.
Through the EGL Fellow Program, CBHL has continued to recognize the growing needs of leaders and organizations and has identified an opportunity to expand EGL offerings.
Program Goals
The EGL Executive Coaching Program supports organizational leadership teams in establishing a robust leadership framework that prioritizes equity both within the organization and for populations and communities served to reduce existing disparities and ensure equitable future outcomes.
Program Activities
The EGL Executive Coaching Program includes 8 monthly cohort sessions, each designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of equity principles, leadership skills, and practical applications. The program also includes 5 hours of flexible consultation hours for personalized guidance and support.
Additional Add-On Options
Program Cost
A detailed budget will be provided upon consultation, covering facilitator fees, coaching services, program materials, venue costs (if applicable), and any technology requirements for virtual meetings. The budget will be structured to ensure a cost-effective yet impactful program, aligning with the organization’s financial goals and priorities.
Interested in learning more about Executive Coaching?
Contact Ebony Chambers, CBHL’s Director of Equity-Grounded Leadership, at echambers@leaders4health.org.
