Honouring International Women’s Day, Mara Svenne

Facilitation is a profession built on creating space—space for voices to be heard, for collaboration to thrive, and for meaningful transformation to take place. As we mark International Women’s Day, I find myself reflecting not just on the role of women in facilitation but on my own experience—how I grew from a place of uncertainty and low confidence to someone who now holds space for others with assurance. This transformation did not happen in isolation; it was shaped by the wisdom and generosity of other women who influenced, mentored, and inspired me along the way.

Learning the Craft: Overcoming Doubts and Finding My Voice

When I first stepped into the world of facilitation, I wasn’t sure if I belonged. I admired those who could effortlessly guide a room, ask the right questions, and spark deep engagement. I worried that I wasn’t assertive enough, knowledgeable enough, or authoritative enough to lead. But facilitation, I would come to realize, is not about asserting control—it’s about fostering participation, curiosity, and trust.

There were women who saw my potential before I fully recognized it myself. Jo Nelson, a master facilitator whose presence and wisdom I have had the privilege of knowing personally, showed me how the essence of facilitation lies in creating inclusive, thoughtful dialogue. From her, I learned that true facilitation is not about having all the answers but about holding the right space for others to find them.

Mentors and Thought Leaders Who Shaped My Growth

Along my path, I encountered incredible women who reshaped my understanding of facilitation and leadership.

• Jo Nelson – Her deep commitment to participatory decision-making and practical training in facilitation is reflected in The Art of Focused Conversation, which she co-authored. Later, I also read Getting to the Bottom of ToP: The Foundations of the Technology of Participation (2nd Edition), which deepened my understanding of structured facilitation methods and their impact on collaborative decision-making.
• Esther Derby and Diana Larsen – Their book Agile Retrospectives: Making Good Teams Great introduced me to the power of structured reflection in team development. They emphasize how facilitation can create a safe space for honest dialogue, helping teams continuously improve through small, meaningful adjustments. Their work reinforced my belief that facilitation is as much about fostering learning as it is about guiding conversations.
• Lyssa Adkins – Through her insights on agile coaching and leadership, particularly in Coaching Agile Teams, I saw how facilitation can empower teams to self-organize, navigate complexity, and build resilience. Her focus on facilitative leadership helped me reframe my role as one of service rather than authority.

These women—and many others—demonstrated that facilitation is not about putting on a performance or being the most commanding presence in the room. Instead, it is about creating conditions where real dialogue and collective insight can emerge.

Building Connections Through the International Association of Facilitators (IAF)

One of the most rewarding aspects of my facilitation experience has been the relationships I’ve built through volunteering with the International Association of Facilitators (IAF). The IAF has provided a global community where I’ve connected with inspiring women who not only share my passion for facilitation but who have also encouraged and challenged me to grow.

Through my work with the IAF, I have had the privilege of learning from and collaborating with exceptional facilitators, —women whose generosity, expertise, and leadership continue to shape my own practice. Relationships with these women, including Rosanna von Sacken, Toby Michaud, Susan Hayman, Stephanie Ashley, have reinforced the power of peer learning, mentorship, and shared experience in strengthening our profession.

I continue to learn by following the blogs of past and present IAF North America Regional Directors, Rebecca Sutherns and Manal Sayid, and from Master Facilitator Barbara Mackay.

Finding My Own Approach: The Shift from Doubt to Confidence

Over time, my confidence grew—not because I suddenly knew everything, but because I learned to trust the process. I embraced the fact that uncertainty is part of facilitation; what matters is how we navigate it. I found my voice not by being the loudest in the room, but by asking thoughtful questions, by reading the energy in the group, and by making space for others to contribute.

I also learned that being a woman in facilitation comes with unique challenges. There were moments when my authority was questioned or when I had to work harder to establish credibility. But these experiences also reinforced why facilitation is such a critical skill—it allows us to challenge assumptions, shift power dynamics, and foster equitable conversations.

Paying It Forward: Supporting Women in Facilitation
International Women’s Day is not just a moment for reflection—it is also an opportunity to appreciate the network of women facilitators who continue to encourage, mentor, and uplift one another. I have been fortunate to learn from and be supported by talented facilitators such as Sue Johnston, Ellen Grove, and Kimberly Bain—each of whom has inspired me to lead with confidence and authenticity.

For those looking to develop or strengthen their facilitation skills, I highly recommend ICA Associates’ Group Facilitation Methods course. This training offers a strong foundation in key facilitation techniques, equipping facilitators with the ability to guide groups toward deeper insights and effective collaboration. Learning structured methods, such as those taught in this course, has been instrumental in my own development and has provided me with practical approaches that I use every day.

Supporting the next generation of women facilitators means:

• Mentoring and Sponsorship – Encouraging emerging facilitators, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for them to practice and grow.
• Fostering Community – Celebrating the strength of our networks and the ways we support one another in our professional growth.
• Recognizing Contributions – Acknowledging the impact of women facilitators in shaping dialogue, leadership, and decision-making processes across industries and communities.

As I look back, I see how each challenge, lesson, and moment of uncertainty has contributed to the facilitator I am today. More importantly, I recognize that growth is an ongoing process—one made richer by the women who came before me and those I have the privilege to work alongside now.

How has being a woman shaped your experience in facilitation? What women have influenced your growth in this field? Let’s continue the conversation.

About the author: Mara Svenne, Consulting Associate of ICA associates Inc., is a facilitator and leadership team coach specializing in small and medium-sized businesses, start-ups, associations, and not-for-profit boards. An IAF Certified™ Professional Facilitator and two-time Gold winner of the Facilitation Impact Awards (2017, 2023), she has served as Secretary and Vice Chair of the International Association of Facilitators (IAF). As an authorized partner for Everything DiSC® and Five Behaviors®, she helps leaders and teams enhance collaboration. A Distinguished Toastmaster, Mara believes in the power of conversation, agile ways of working, and facilitation to drive alignment, effectiveness, and success.