This session aims to create a space for mid-career enrollment professionals with a focus on the female experience and those who are and/or hope to lead from the middle. Middle management is essential for organizational success, and it can also be challenging! What does leading from the middle mean? How might backgrounds and lived experiences impact the way in which you choose to engage? Often middle management brings up questions of how to manage up and across. Additionally, considering if staying in middle management is satisfying your professional goals? How might you lead from the middle in hopes of taking the next step in leadership? In this active session, be prepared to lean into conversations with peers and walk away with 2-3 items to help you find success in leading from where you are today. Britt and Kathy met on the road representing their schools, St. Paul’s School and Phillips Exeter Academy. The two had the opportunity to get to know each other in more of a professional and personal capacity last year during the EMA Future Leaders Pre-Conference. Through discussion, Britt and Kathy want to create space for others and build community. The session aims to bring together individuals with different career journeys and share perspectives to help engage in conversations of growth and vulnerability. The session will allow participants to interact, build networks and community in their shared experiences. The intent is for participants to walk out feeling heard, seen and lighter with new connections.