Anne Berry is visiting assistant professor of graphic design, faculty advisor for Lakehouse Design (a student-run design firm) and faculty advisor for BFA candidates, all at the University of Notre Dame, Ind. She serves on the worship commission at Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship in Goshen, Ind., and is a board member of Goshen Farmers Market. She has served as assistant professor of art and co-director of the Hershberger Gallery at Goshen College.

Do/did you have a woman leader as mentor? If so, how does/did she help you?

I’ve had numerous female mentors over the years, my sister among them. She and I share similar perspectives as far as gender, religious affiliation and ethnicity are concerned. Consequently, having someone to talk candidly with regarding the various facets of my identity has been important for developing the kind of confidence necessary to lead.

Are you mentoring a young woman who may be a potential church leader?

I mentor many young women who have the potential to be church leaders. I continually oversee students who are connected to faith communities. So, though we may not think of artists and designers as traditional church leaders, these creative women still have important contributions to make in their respective congregations.

If so, how is her experience the same/different from yours?

I had few connections when I started my design career and have subsequently tried to build some of those bridges for my students. One former student (from Uganda) hadn’t used a computer prior to college but will soon be graduating with an MFA in graphic design from the same program I did. I would like to think I helped make that journey easier for her.

What impediments have you faced in becoming a leader?

Self-doubt and anxiety are two of the biggest internal challenges to overcome. Opening myself up to criticism, knowing that I may fall short of expectations in a public way—particularly as a woman of color—can be daunting. Institutional racism also means I have to confront prejudice and stereotypes that others project onto me.

When you face challenges as a leader, what encourages you?

I’m encouraged by other women leaders who openly acknowledge the difficulties they sometimes face. By virtue of the fact that they are actively serving as mentors and teachers, they become powerful symbols of what can be achieved even in the midst of doubt or uncertainty.