Changing the world, Circle by Circle
Lean In Circles bring women together to learn from each other and achieve their goals, because women can be a powerful force for change in the world.
There are now over 41,000 Circles in more than 170 countries, and new Circles are starting every day. Circles bring together women from all walks of life, from Latina immigrants to women in the U.S. military to so-called “leftover” women in China. In these small groups, women get and give peer mentorship, sharpen their skills, and have a place to be unapologetically ambitious.
Take a peek below at four Lean In Circles in action, and consider leading your own.
Latinas with decades of experience are mentoring the next generation—from city hall to the C-suite
This community of women in the San Francisco Bay Area is focusing on mentorship for young Latinas, civic engagement, and professional development. Part of the Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley, this Lean In Circle has helped a generation of young Latinas become authentic leaders, understand gender bias, and lean into their ambitions. Read more about the impact of this Lean In Latinas Circle.
“We have the power to build something that’s greater than the sum of its parts. It’s like the idea of a rising tide: we make each other better.”
— Member, Lean In Latinas
Students in India are taking on gender stereotypes and going further—faster.
At Indira Gandhi Technical University in New Delhi, India, one Circle grew to become many. Women pursuing technical degrees face gender bias in a male-dominated fields, but their Circles are a space to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and nurture their ambition. One of their goals: building a car, from scratch, to compete in international competitions. Read about how these students are coming together to push past stereotypes.
The Circle’s car building team, Team Panthera, was the only team in the history of the competition to compete as an all-women’s team.
Women in marketing in France are rewriting their stories
In Lyon, France, this group of women is navigating the impact of technology on the marketing and communications industries. They are full-time employees at companies, freelancers and consultants, and entrepreneurs. Some are seasoned professionals reinventing their careers after confronting ageism. Through their Circle, they are learning what it takes to strike out on their own, meeting people to collaborate on projects with, sourcing potential clients, and transforming their businesses. Read more about how this Circle is driving change for women in marketing and communications.
“It brought me the self-confidence that I was missing”
— Member, Lean In Lyon Marketing
Women and men are meeting in P&G offices from Cincinnati to Singapore to advance women leaders and combat gender bias in the workplace
In 2012, P&G piloted Lean In Circles. Over the past 6 years, this Lean In Network has grown to include women who are starting their careers, taking on management and other new challenges, and moving into the C-suite. The issues that women face at different stages of their career vary widely, but one fact remains: having a community of women to lean on and grow with can truly make a difference. As of 2018, P&G has more than 400 Circles worldwide—read the full P&G story.
“You have a unique space that doesn’t exist anywhere else... You can be fully you.”
— P&G Circle member
