The Strength to Lead: Honoring Women Who Build Trust and Inspire Change

Listen to Myeisha's story here Celebrating Myeisha Hutchinson during Women’s History Month

Today, we’re celebrating Myeisha Hutchinson for the bold, people-centered leadership she continues to model in the Woodlawn community. Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership doesn’t always begin with a title. It grows through consistency, courage, and connection.

Throughout Women’s History Month, we’ve been honoring the women who helped guide Woodlawn forward—those who shaped its vision, supported its transitions, and built trust that continues to sustain the work. Myeisha’s journey is part of that ongoing story. She reflects what it means to lead from within the community by showing up, listening deeply, and working to bridge generations.

A proud Woodlawn native, Myeisha returned to her childhood neighborhood ready to serve. She began by attending neighborhood meetings, simply wanting to know what was going on. Before long, her commitment and voice led her to become one of the youngest neighborhood leaders in the area.

“You can’t go faster than the trust you build,” she said.
“Leadership grows over time. And it’s always about people.”

She faced skepticism early on, but over time, her presence and persistence earned her the trust of older residents. In return, she learned to challenge her own assumptions about what leadership looks like and how deeply it’s rooted in relationships.

“We all want the same things—quality of life, safety, and a neighborhood that feels like home,” she shared.
“That’s what brings us together.”

She reminds us that community work moves at the speed of trust, not ambition. It’s not about rushing toward solutions, but about walking alongside people—across generations, identities, and experiences—to create change together.

“Your purpose will always put you in proximity to the people you’re meant to serve,” she said.

In a month where we’ve reflected on the women who laid the groundwork for Woodlawn’s transformation, we’re also recognizing those who carry that work forward today. Myeisha represents that spirit. Her leadership helps ensure the path forward is not only strong, but shared.

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The Path They Paved: Honoring the Leaders Who Guided Woodlawn Forward

Listen to Pat's story here

Celebrating Patricia Hoban-Moore during Women’s History Month

Today, we’re honoring Patricia Hoban-Moore for the vital role she played in guiding Woodlawn United through a season of transition and preparing the next generation of leadership.

When Pat stepped in as interim executive director in 2019, Woodlawn United was at a turning point. Rather than bring in big changes, she chose to listen — to the staff, to residents, and to the community’s momentum. With decades of experience at HUD, Pat knew that effective leadership starts with humility and a willingness to meet people where they are.

“If you listen hard to the people in the community, they will tell you what’s in their heart and what their goals and aspirations are,”she said.
“Your job is to respond in a positive but careful way to help articulate their dreams.”

One of Pat’s most meaningful contributions was encouraging and mentoring Mashonda Taylor, now the President and CEO of Woodlawn United. She saw Mashonda’s leadership potential and made it her mission to help her step into that role.

“I told Mashonda, ‘Girl, you’ve got to get your name in there.’
When she went through the process, she was clearly the choice.
It was one of my proudest moments.”

Pat also helped refine the organization’s strategic plan, supported key initiatives like the launch of i3 Academy, and strengthened relationships with residents and local partners. She created space for the team to grow and lead with confidence.

She described Woodlawn as “a microcosm of what you want a community to be, one you can walk through and be proud of.”

And that’s exactly where we find ourselves today: a stronger, more connected Woodlawn, led by those who were empowered, encouraged, and equipped by the leaders who came before them.

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