By Asia Nail
The Truth Reporter
Imagine sitting around a dinner table with your best friends, sharing stories about work, family, and the occasional office drama. Between the laughter and the sighs, a common theme emerges: the challenges women face in advancing their careers and breaking through biases. Now, what if I told you there’s a place where these conversations don’t just stay around the table but turn into powerful action?
Enter Women of Toledo, an organization that’s not only listening but actively empowering women and girls to take charge of their futures. Led by the dynamic Nina Corder, this nonprofit is creating spaces where women can gather, learn, and tackle issues head-on, from economic advancement to workplace equity.
But what makes Women of Toledo (WOT) stand out in a sea of initiatives? It’s the way they blend skill-building with community support. Think of it as a powerhouse combination of a professional workshop, a support group and a mastermind class, all wrapped into one.
From Graduate School to Groundbreaking Solutions
“Women of Toledo started in grad school. I am a researcher by nature who came to the United States to go to university,” Corder shares. Like many, she found herself facing the daunting challenge of finding employment despite holding a degree. “My ‘why’ and personal passion was to navigate the workforce better. It was hard because I didn’t know anyone here. So, I went to grad school.”
Her journey took a pivotal turn when her organizational leadership professor challenged her to study and solve the very issue she was grappling with. “He challenged me to fix my problem and study organizational culture, looking at how we can close the network gap for someone like me.”
Through her research, Corder discovered the network gap that women, especially those who move to the U.S. from other countries, often face. “I started my research right away.” This gap, she realized, was a significant barrier to economic advancement for many. “My focus started with a female network group that understood my perspective through their own personal experiences. After my research, we found out that people rarely challenge organizational culture.”
Challenging and Changing Cultures
“Until someone comes and disrupts the culture and challenges the systems, they can’t see new perspectives,” Corder notes. It’s not just the environment but human nature that prefers commonality. “It’s not the group, people or the environment. It is that humans are social beings that love having things in common.”
Corder’s mission became to break these cycles by encouraging new connections. “I challenged my focus group to break these cycles by bringing someone new to each group meeting. We started closing the gap. We found it wasn’t only women struggling with the same challenges, but anyone coming from another country or area.”
She discovered that while women and men build connections differently, neither approach is superior. “Women and men build connections differently. One is not better than another; women just function differently,” explains Corder.
“When women are successful, we don’t just take care of ourselves, we nurture our families and communities. That’s how we build stronger communities that support each other.”
Creating a Refuge and Building Belonging
What began as a personal quest evolved into Women of Toledo—a nonprofit that has become a beacon of hope and empowerment for many. “I didn’t start this nonprofit intentionally, but I look at all as a happy ending. It has been a refuge for many of us.”
Under Corder’s leadership, Women of Toledo has expanded to manage two additional initiatives: the Northwest Ohio Women’s Business Council, a female economic empowerment movement, and HerHub, an online platform connecting women with local resources, businesses, and organizations. Through her efforts, these organizations have successfully raised over $1.5 million in grants and capital funds, serving more than 9,459 women and youth.
Mentorship: The Heart of Women of Toledo
One of the cornerstone programs of WOT is their mentorship initiative. “I believe mentoring is key,” says Corder. “Humans are meant to support and take care of each other with compassion and empathy.” This belief is reflected in the organization’s flagship program, where women share their stories and narratives, helping others who have had similar experiences.
“We have matched over 60 to 70 women leaders in our community to mentor women across industries,” Corder proudly states.
The impact is profound—women transitioning through the mentorship program often find that their mentors help them navigate challenges and seize opportunities they might have missed on their own. “We have seen the impact on a woman when a mentor helps elevate their quality of life to the next level.”
Corder credits much of her success to the women who mentored her, emphasizing that collective success is far greater than individual achievements. “I don’t believe we are as successful alone as we are together. I appreciate all the women that came before me that helped me become the woman I am today.”
Corder’s dedication to women’s empowerment extends beyond local efforts. From 2017 to 2018, she was appointed by the United Nations Women’s Empower Women Initiative as a Global Champion for Change. She also initiated a UN HeforShe campaign here in Toledo.
On a national level, Corder has served on the White House Council on Women & Girls under the Obama Administration and is a mayoral appointed Executive Member of Toledo’s Human Relations Commission. Her advocacy work includes supporting the passing of the Pay Equity Act in Toledo and the CEDAW Gender Equity Convention, an international legal agreement requiring countries to end discrimination against women and girls in all areas.
Corder was also selected as one of 25 delegates for the International Alliance of Women in Geneva, joining thousands of delegates at the United Nations to discuss and advance gender equality.
Cultivating Culture and Advocacy
Women of Toledo’s advocacy program is another powerful force for change. Their quarterly heritage month celebrations, such as Black History and Immigrant Heritage, shine a spotlight on diverse cultures and stories. “You can’t be what you can’t see. When you see another person that is successful in your own culture, it makes a huge difference,” says Nina.
Their Economic Empowerment Initiative advocates for equity in the workplace and marketplace, highlighting the need for women’s voices and stories to be heard. “Women have been silenced for too long; we must get our stories out to the world. Our stories are a refuge that builds resilience,” shares Corder.
Empowering the Next Generation
Women of Toledo is also deeply committed to empowering the next generation through the Girls HUB Project. This program encourages young girls to build their own “seat at the table,” inspired by the legacy of trailblazers like Shirley Chisholm.
“The girls learn how to safely operate power tools. It empowers them to NEVER wait until someone provides you the chair, bring your own. Then they paint their chair telling their story to the world,” explains corder. “When you own your story, no one else can take that away from you.”
The project culminates in a powerful exhibition where the Girls HUB showcase their work and stories, proving that they matter and their contributions are valued. “They never thought at this age they mattered or that people cared. It truly adds value to a young woman’s life!”
Looking Ahead
As Women of Toledo continues to grow, Corder envisions expanding their reach. The mentorship circles are divided into specific target groups, including the Northwest Ohio Business Mentoring, Discovery Mentoring, and Young Women of Toledo. Each program is tailored to meet the unique needs of its participants, ensuring that every woman and girl who joins can find the support and guidance they need.
Corder’s impact on women and girls is global. In 2023, she joined the University of Toledo ADVANCE Catalyst team as an External Evaluator for a National Science Foundation grant project aimed at addressing gender equity in STEM. She has also served as a Mentor for the Professional Fellows program funded by the U.S. Department of State, working with emerging leaders from around the world. Her vision is to expand HerHub Global to all seven continents, beginning with pilot expansions in Europe, the Far East, and Southeast Asia this 2024.
The Fearless Builders class of 2024 is a testament to the organization’s impact. These young leaders spent weeks learning about leadership and STEAM careers, and their finished “Seat at the Table” handmade wooden chairs symbolize their journey and achievements.
Corder’s journey from Malaysia, to now one of Toledo’s own, is a testament to her resilience and dedication. She holds a master’s and bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo and a post-doctoral Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from Northcentral University. Recognized for her leadership and advocacy, Nina has received numerous accolades, including the Jefferson Award, the Ernest M. Pon Award and the YWCA’s Women on the Rise 2024.
Above all, Nina is proud to be a mother to Isabella Ashira Corder, who is currently pursuing her graduate degree at Columbia University.
Women of Toledo isn’t just an organization; it’s a movement that’s making a tangible difference in the lives of women and girls, one skill, one bias interrupted, and one empowered woman at a time. So next time you’re at that dinner table, sharing stories and seeking solutions, remember there’s a place where those conversations can turn into real-world impact. Join the movement and be part of the change.
For more info: https://womenoftoledo.org