Joy Sutter has held a variety church leadership positions, including elder, church board member, conference worker, member of a Mennonite school board, and she is just beginning on the Mennonite Church USA Executive Board.

Professionally, she has been in various leadership positions across the continuum of health care. Most of her leadership experience has been in an academic medical center, and she is serving as the associate administrator of the Cancer Service Line in the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania Health System.

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

No, I did not have a specific female leader as a mentor for most of my leadership journey. I have strategically sought out female colleagues to learn from their successes and failures in both my church and professional worlds. Professionally, I have a female leader/ boss/mentor who is a wonderful role model by allowing me to lead by focusing on my strengths.

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

Yes, I am in contact with several women who may be potential church leaders. I encourage them to step up or speak up, which sometimes means going outside their comfort zones. I intentionally tap for leadership positions women who have great potential to serve the church.

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

One major difference from my experience is that today there are more leadership opportunities for women in the church and more women to act as mentors. As a young adult, I was tapped by my pastor for church leadership, and today’s church environment enables those in other leadership positions to encourage women to accept the leadership call.

What impediments have you faced in becoming a leader?

Learning how to embrace a nonanxious leadership presence and not react to highly charged situations.

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

When I see others overcome obstacles and grow and develop as leaders, it makes
me a better leader. I am also encouraged when I observe individuals working harmoniously in teams to find solutions to problems that contribute to organizational success.