"We need more than just belief in the potential of leaders of color; we need actionable, sustained investment." -Frances Messano, agreed!
Reflecting on my conversation with Carmita Semaan at Summit and a recent report she co-authored with members of The Bridgespan Group (Dorothy Jones, Grace Nguyen, and Nate Wong), I’m struck by how much work still needs to be done to support leaders of color. While more leaders of color are stepping into executive roles, especially in education, we’re also seeing an exodus. Many leaders are fatigued from the lack of support for diversity-focused initiatives, waning philanthropy, and the "glass cliff" phenomenon. All these challenges lead to burnout and turnover as leaders of color are expected to solve systemic problems without support and resources. When I transitioned into the CEO role at NewSchools, I was fortunate to have a critical mentor in Stacey Childress and a supportive board. We spent more than a year preparing for the change, communicating with all stakeholders, strengthening funder relationships, and ensuring I had the support I needed through an executive coach and Chief of Staff. This support was crucial, but this is not the experience of many other leaders of color. We need more than just belief in the potential of leaders of color; we need actionable, sustained investment. This includes providing patient, long-term capital to new CEOs of color, so they have the financial runway they need to hire the right team members, develop a new strategy and oftentimes to fix what’s broken. It also requires board members to have a deep understanding of the unique challenges these leaders face, as well as the current state of the organization The Bridgespan report outlines crucial steps funders can take to ensure leaders of color are not just surviving but thriving in their roles, and driving impactful change in our communities. Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/gsTpbkUP #NewSchoolsSummit2024 #Leadership #Diversity #CareerAdvancement #SuccessionPlanning #NonprofitLeadership #EducationLeadership #SupportLeadersOfColor #Philanthropy
As incoming executive directors and CEOs, social sector and #nonprofit leaders of color face systemic challenges that make it difficult for them to fully thrive in their roles. 📄 Four ways funders can help new leaders: https://www.bridgespan.org/insights/nonprofit-leadership-transitions-four-ways-funders-can-support-leaders-of-color