I appreciate this space that centers the collective voice of Black women.

• Voice allows me to be a critical lover of the institution of philanthropy.  I recognize the roots of philanthropy and how wealth has been accumulated in this county.  I also recognize the privilege that exists within philanthropic institutions.  I am thankful for this space, specifically honoring Black women, as there are few of us working in the field.  I have a responsibility and commitment to challenge inequities that exist in the industry and continue to examine and challenge how and where funding is being distributed.
• Vision is an opportunity to honor our ancestors – they left us a roadmap to achieve structural change.  That rootedness allows me to authentically show up in my work and center the lived experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. 
• Value is the requirement to value Black women.  We demand that our voices and our commitment to this work are valued.  Value provides the opportunity to recognize of the contributions of Black women – and it can’t stop there, it is about labor AND liberation. 

“If you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else.” - Toni Morrison

I continue to push for equity and building power in marginalized communities.  With the impact of the global pandemic and racial reckoning happening across the country, there is an opportunity for philanthropy to respond to the demands of communities.  While there has been an outpour of statements and commitments to move resources to support racial equity causes, we are doubling down on our investments and holding our philanthropic colleagues accountable to deliver and operationalize their commitment into internal practices and funding priorities – not just in this moment but woven into the fabric of the institution.

I came to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation under the leadership of La June Montgomery Tabron.  She is the first woman CEO as well as the first African American CEO of the Foundation.  Her leadership as a champion for marginalized children and commitment to creating the conditions necessary for them to thrive is an inspiration.  Her explicit commitment to racial equity and racial healing has shifted the conversation in the field and encouraged other foundations to analyze not only their external funding practices and priorities but internal operations as well such as human capital strategies and the investment practices of endowments.

We are living through an uncertain time, with a pandemic that has disproportionately impacted communities of color and continues to entrench marginalization and inequity.  It is imperative to have varied perspectives to generate innovative ideas to solve the complex problems of an increasingly diverse world.

• Philanthropy needs human capital strategies that invest in people who most accurately reflect the communities the foundation aims to serve.
• Address the inherent power dynamics that exist with funders and partners.  Take the time to develop authentic relationships with organizations in the field doing the work, listen to their stories and address internal processes that hinder their ability to get the work done.
• Explicitly put grantmaking practices and operations in the service of racial equity.  Create truly inclusive internal cultures that build equity into its structure, its operations, and its aspirations.

The leadership of Black women in philanthropy is imperative because of the nuance of our lived experiences, which speaks to the intersectional lens that we bring to the work.  We are able to address issues that impact our community by our individual and collective stories that honor and value the knowledge and genius in our communities.