Code Switch leaders see themselves in the girls we serve, work in solidarity with them to advance girls rights, and do so committing themselves to honoring the African principles of Ubuntu and Sankofa.  Ubuntu states, “I am because you are, you are because I am, we are one” and Sankofa reminds us of our connection to the ancestral knowledge upon which we build.

Code Switch leaders are enthusiastic and positive about being the change they wish to see in the community and are eager to contribute through volunteer service by leveraging community connections, as well as financial and social capital. They build with a desire to improve the education, career, and life outcomes for girls most impacted by racial violence, over policing in schools, overcriminalization, and other systemic barriers.

Code Switch leaders exemplify a strong knowledge of social justice and ample experience leading and working in solidarity with individuals, communities, organizations, and education groups, advancing causes, movements, and actions to achieve gender equity, racial justice, and liberation for girls and women of color.

Code Switch leaders have a natural curiosity to learn more in spite of the knowledge they bring to a space, and are not above listening to grow in new and more nuanced ways.  Listening for understanding, to see an issue or concept through a different lens and/or from a different perspective, and/or simply to grow and learn are fully embraced.

Code Switch leaders have knowledge of principles, methods, procedures, and strategies utilized in the development of positive self-concept, cultural awareness, social justice consciousness, racial healing, socio-emotional well-being, and the reduction and prevention of problems associated with trauma informed behaviors among girls experiencing barriers connected to systemic oppression, including racial discrimination, over policing, and poverty.

Code Switch leaders understand the power of an equal education to provide girls with the critical insight and consciousness needed to liberate themselves and others from oppressive systems, institutions, and beliefs and work towards that end in all that they do.