We were lucky to catch up with Colette Colclough recently and have shared our conversation below.

Colette, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

The Forward Women’s Leadership Forum is a community of empowered women, united by our connections and resources, dedicated to uplifting our families, communities, and lives. The three pillars of the Forward Women’s Leadership Forum are:
1. Finance: Empowering women with financial literacy education, investment strategies, and tools for economic independence, breaking down barriers to financial success and generational wealth.
2. Health and Wellness: Recognizing the importance of holistic well-being, the Forum provides resources, workshops, and support networks to help women prioritize self-care, emphasizing physical, mental, and sexual health to achieve balance.
3. Careers: Offering guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for advancement through workforce and personal development, the Forum equips women with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their careers and overcome obstacles in the workplace. Our focus encompasses apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, scholarships, and support for various jobs.
Through these pillars, the Forward Women’s Leadership Forum aims to empower women to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.

Driven by my 25 years in HR, I witnessed countless talented women struggle to advance. They lacked resources, mentors, and the support system critical for success. Their voices were often unheard, leaving them feeling discouraged and powerless.

This ignited my passion to create a space for women to connect, share their vision of achievement, and empower one another. The Forward Women’s Leadership Forum was born. The Forum fosters collaboration through facilitated discussions, listening circles, and networking opportunities. It empowers women to bridge the gap between their needs and the resources available to them, shattering the barriers that have held them back for far too long.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Mr. Ronald Townsend, Augusta National’s pioneering figure as the first Black individual admitted to the prestigious golf course, recognized a potential within me that I hadn’t fully realized myself. He discerned my passion for people and my genuine joy in witnessing their achievements. It was his discernment that led him to offer me the role of Human Resources manager at Channel 9 in Washington, DC.

Transitioning from my sales position to this new challenge was indeed daunting, but Mr. Townsend’s unwavering belief in my abilities and his steadfast support bolstered my confidence. His mentorship instilled in me a sense of empowerment, motivating me to excel in my newfound role.

This belief in nurturing talent and empowering women became a guiding principle for me. Even in my attempts to be a stay-at-home mom, I found the isolation daunting, ultimately leading me back to the workforce. I later leveraged my skills in service of the Maryland Department of Labor and ventured into consulting before retiring from Maryland Public Television.

Throughout my career journey, I’ve carried Mr. Townsend’s belief in me and extended it to the women I’ve encountered, encouraging them to find their purpose and utilize their talents and skills to their fullest potential.

Outside of my professional endeavors, I am happily married to an entrepreneur, a proud mother to a successful working son, and surrounded by a loving network of godchildren and two furry companions.

Amidst all the worldly and personal challenges, my most significant source of pride lies in my family and our collective achievements. We’ve embraced hard work to enjoy life to the fullest and ensure we have the freedom to make choices that resonate with us.

One of my most fulfilling endeavors is the Forum, a platform dedicated to delivering valuable information and facilitating networking opportunities for women. We prioritize understanding the needs of our subscribers and attendees, constantly seeking ways to connect them with the resources that can help them thrive. In many ways, we serve as a supportive “Auntie” figure, guiding and assisting women on their journeys.

The fact that we’ve amassed nearly 2,000 subscribers and almost 300 active participants in our gatherings fills me with immense pride. Along with sponsors, we have supported 60 entrepreneurs with over $11,500 in the last two years. It signals that women are eager to elevate themselves and actively seek the tools and support systems to propel them forward. As the Forum, we embody the vibrant energy in the room, driving the collective ambition to rise and achieve greater heights.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I have funded my business through crowdfunding through family, friends, and supporters, holding fundraising events, and providing seed money.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

While planning and backups are important, life’s true wisdom lies in the ability to adjust course when the unexpected arises. Often, in your entrepreneurial journey, you will have to rely on people and money to come through. You can not always predict the timing.

Contact Info:

• Website: forwardwlf.org
• Instagram: @forwardwlf
• Facebook: fowardwlf
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colettecolclough/

Image Credits
Photographer: Jaylen Cofer Logo: Cre8t13