By Donzhei Green, Intern & Program Coordinator, 100 Women Pathway

In October 2024, after months of dedicated planning, Planet Women’s 100 Women Pathway in Atlanta came to life. Our fourth Pathway Cohort—a group of phenomenal women environmental leaders from the U.S. Southeast—gathered for four impactful days at the Cohort 4 In-Person Workshop. One standout moment was the powerful CEO Panel, where three executive women leaders in the environmental sector shared their journeys, insights, challenges, and triumphs.

Moderated by Kristine Zeigler, Co-Founder of Planet Women, the CEO Panel showcased the journeys of three trailblazing women leaders whose stories of resilience, authenticity, and reinvention light our leadership path:

Dr. Tiara Moore, Founder & CEO of Black in Marine Science (BIMS), shared about breaking barriers in marine science while cultivating a culture of joyful, resilient leadership.

Monica Thornton, Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy, Georgia Chapter, discussed driving inclusive conservation advocacy by transforming personal adversity into inspiring action.

Raina Turner-Greenlea, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Black Sustainability, used her “sinking boat” analogy to emphasize the urgency of leaving behind outdated systems and building opportunities for equitable, empowering change.

Scroll down for key takeaways along with photos and video from the gathering.

CEO panelists, from left to right: Dr. Tiara Moore, Monica Thornton, and Raina Turner-Greenlea.

Centering Joy: Joy As A Form of Resilience

Dr. Tiara Moore, Founder and CEO of Black in Marine Science (BIMS), opened the panel with a powerful reminder: Joy is not just an emotion; it’s a strategy for survival. As a Black woman in environmental science, she has faced barriers that often push women of color out of the field. Yet, instead of allowing negativity to define her path, she created her own.

At BIMS, Dr. Moore ensures that joy isn’t just a personal choice—it’s institutional. Through her leadership, she creates an environment where Black marine scientists don’t merely exist—they flourish daily. BIMS offers a dynamic platform for these scientists and advocates to lead transformative change and enrich the field with diverse perspectives.

“Joy is a form of resistance.” — Dr. Tiara Moore

This powerful message resonated deeply with the panelists. Monica Thornton and Raina Turner-Greenlea both reflected on how joy has been a driving force in their careers, allowing them to reclaim space in industries that weren’t built for them. Their conversation reinforced an essential truth: Resilience isn’t just about enduring adversity—it’s about creating spaces where you can thrive and doing it with grace and happiness. Dr. Moore's message, echoed by Monica and Raina, leaves us with a clear directive: cultivate joy, not just for ourselves, but as a revolutionary act. It's about building a future where resilience is synonymous with thriving—a future where happiness isn't a luxury but a fundamental right.

Reflection Question: What daily practices help you cultivate joy in your work?

*From left to right: Panelists Monica Thornton, Raina Turner-Greenlea and Dr. Tiara Moore with moderator Kristine Zeigler. © Planet Women.*

Mentorship vs. Sponsorship

Another key takeaway from the CEO Panel was the distinction between mentorship and sponsorship—both are essential supports, yet they play fundamentally different roles in our journeys. At Planet Women, we view them as two sides of the same coin: mentors open doors and offer guidance, while sponsors leverage their influence to provide honest feedback and create opportunities.

Panelists shared personal experiences to illustrate these roles. Monica recounted how her mentor recognized her potential and connected her with a sponsor, leading to a community construction project that would shape her career for the next decade. As Raina aptly stated, “A mentor opens doors for you, but a sponsor tells you the truth.”

Dr. Tiara Moore’s experience during her PhD highlighted a less supportive side of mentorship. Although her advisors placed her in leadership roles, she eventually discovered that some mentors do not genuinely root for your success. This underscored the need for a sponsor—someone who not only champions you but also provides candid feedback.

In essence, while mentors offer wisdom and encouragement, sponsors push you further by opening up access to valuable networks and opportunities. This dual support is vital for women environmental leaders, strengthening careers and advancing representation across the sector. At Planet Women, connecting leaders eager to learn and support one another creates a ripple effect of empowerment and progress.

Reflection Question: Who in your network has pushed you, opened a door, or given you the honest feedback you needed to grow?

*Talking with Pathway participants after the CEO Panel in October 2024. © Planet Women.*

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Next, the panelists explored how resilience is most essential during uncertain times, when challenges seem insurmountable. Raina Turner-Greenlea shared how, early in her career, she struggled to land a job. Her determination led her to knock on doors and even offer to work for free. After one week of unpaid work, her resilience paid off—and she received a job offer.

"Persistent until I succeed." — Raina Turner-Greenlea

Monica Thornton shared her story of enduring consistent workplace bullying from someone who would soon become her manager. When she approached HR for guidance and resources to improve the work environment, she was met with racially charged, backhanded comments suggesting she should simply endure mistreatment because other people of color before her had done the same: “Your name ain’t Becky! People who look like us have kicked down doors to be here.”

Instead of falling into hopelessness, Monica transformed this painful experience into a drive to advocate—not only for herself but for every underrepresented voice in leadership spaces. Her experience reminds us: During the hardest times, resilience becomes the compass that guides us toward creating new paths—paths built on self-belief and the courage to challenge the status quo.

Reflection Question: When have you turned a setback into a stepping stone? 

*Group photo of the 100 Women Pathway’s fourth cohort in Atlanta. © Planet Women.*

Building Your Own Path: The “Sinking Boat” Analogy

One of the most vivid moments of the discussion was Raina’s “sinking boat” analogy. Early in her career, Raina faced the challenge of justifying her focus on advocacy for underrepresented communities.

“If all boats are sinking, and some have holes so big they can never stay afloat, every time I explained why I focus on the boats with the biggest holes, I had to fight to be heard.” — Raina Turner- Greenlea

In a bold and transformative move, Raina chose not to endure a broken system—she left the sinking boat, swam to shore, and built her own, taking others who shared her passion for equity and advocacy along with her.

“Eventually, I built my own boat—and it was way more gratifying.” — Raina Turner- Greenlea

This trailblazing decision, more relevant now than ever, serves as a call to action for leaders to forge new paths in the face of systemic challenges and inequality. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most courageous act is to create the very space where you can lead authentically—without having to explain or justify why voices like yours matter.

Reflection Question: Have you ever had to build your own path when the old system failed you?

A Moment of Collective Empowerment

As the CEO Panel drew to a close, Kristine Zeigler asked a simple yet profound question: “What does it feel like to be in this room looking at these women?”

The responses from Cohort 4 were electrifying—power, joy, beauty, gratitude, and the undeniable feeling of being seen. Dr. Tiara Moore’s closing words, delivered while sporting her “I am the change I want to see” shirt, captured the essence of the day:

“This reminds me why we do the work we do.”

This collective empowerment fuels our movement, reminding each of us that every small victory contributes to larger, transformative change.

Bringing this Wisdom Forward

Today, the lessons from that transformative gathering are more important than ever. In a world filled with ongoing uncertainty and challenges, embracing joy as resilience, valuing honest mentorship and sponsorship, and having the courage to build your own path are not just ideals—they are imperatives for advancing women’s leadership in the environmental sector, advocating for social justice, and fighting for equity.

Planet Women remains dedicated to creating supportive, inclusive spaces where leaders share power, knowledge, and truth. By fostering a network of empowered women environmental leaders, we are collectively paving the way for a future where every voice is heard and every challenge is met with unwavering resolve.

🎥 Watch: In the video below, hear from Pathway Cohort 4 participants about their transformative experiences in Atlanta. Get updates by signing up for Planet Women news.

Lifting as We Lead: CEO Wisdom to Light Our Way