6 minute read
Collective Voices | Introduction
Letter from the Editor
Investing in caring and supportive spaces, specifically designed to meet the needs of BIPOC Leaders, is one of the most meaningful ways that foundations can support Leaders of Color right now.
In recognition of the importance of this investment, we at ProInspire designed the Catalyst Collective. The goal of the Catalyst Collective is to support shifting sector norms that have traditionally contributed to burnout and systemic inequities that disproportionately impact BIPOC leaders.
Many foundations and social impact organizations are seeking ways to demonstrate their values of racial equity and social justice by supporting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) leaders and BIPOC-led organizations. Yet, there is still a severely inequitable underrepresentation of BIPOC leaders, those who hold decision-making authority, in the social sector. This also means that BIPOC leaders rarely have the opportunity to reflect on and learn from the experiences of other leaders in spaces that are specifically designed to address the needs of Leaders of Color in the social sector.
In our work with BIPOC leaders, many have expressed feelings of deep fatigue due in-part to isolation and a lack of representation, being overburdened to create more equitable results within traditionally white-dominated spaces, and an overreliance on their labor as a primary way to create systems change, without having additional access to resources to support communities most impacted by systemic inequities: structural oppression and structural racism. Leaders also indicate that burnout, due to sector norms that uphold white dominant culture, often contribute to unsustainable workload expectations and inequitable access to resources or opportunities.
In the Catalyst Collective we have illuminated four core shifts that can be made to mitigate the conditions that harm BIPOC leaders: providing opportunities to care for oneself, by modeling and prioritizing well-being; spaces to connect with community and center relationships; and championing collective power to change organizational culture and sector norms in ways that honor the full humanity and lived experiences of BIPOC leaders.
The Catalyst Collective provides a place for leaders to create meaningful connections with other BIPOC Leaders and to reflect on our shared experiences. This community helps us leverage our shared power and advocate for tangible changes that will create a more supportive and sustainable experience for BIPOC Leaders. We do this by: developing authentic leadership style through 1:1 executive coaching; exploring challenges and opportunities leaders are facing through fullday convenings; amplifying the voices and impact of BIPOC leaders throughout the sector through share-back projects; and by building community and support for leaders through peer coaching and leadership trainings. Our collective supports a larger movement for racial justice, individually and systemically, by providing additional access to leadership opportunities and resources for BIPOC leaders.
We are a community for and a collective of BIPOC leaders supporting each other, navigating the personal and structural experiences that leading nonprofit organizations often create. The Catalyst Collective is a space where we honor and hone our authentic approach to leadership and shift power in the social sector by bringing the needs and dreams of Leaders of Color to the forefront.
Bianca Casanova Anderson, Co-CEO, ProInspire
Bianca Casanova, Co-CEO, ProInspire
Monisha Kapila Founder & Co-CEO
Monisha Kapila Founder & Co-CEO
The Kresge Foundation headquarters based in Troy, Michigan.
The Kresge Foundation
THE KRESGE FOUNDATION is a private, national foundation that works to expand opportunities in America’s cities through grantmaking and social investing in arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services and community development, nationally and in Detroit, Memphis, and New Orleans.
In collaboration with our partners, we help create pathways for people with low incomes to improve their life circumstances and join the economic mainstream.
The Kresge Foundation headquarters based in Troy, Michigan.
The Kresge Foundation headquarters based in Troy, Michigan.
With a simple but profound directive
— to promote the wellbeing of mankind — The Kresge Foundation was established in 1924 by Detroit retail magnate Sebastian Spering Kresge.
1. Creativity We embrace risk-taking, balancing proven approaches with those that show promise in solving today’s challenges.
2. Partnership We embrace collaboration to devise and implement solutions, leveraging collective insight, networks, and resources.
3. Equity Our inclusive culture embraces shared humanity while examining racial, cultural, and socially systemic inequities.
4. Respect We value everyone’s background and perspective, and display honesty, kindness, and trust in all interactions.
5. Opportunity Through grants and other investing tools, we work to expand opportunities for people living in America’s cities.
6. Stewardship We exhibit integrity, humility, excellence, and responsibility in care of all the foundation’s resources.
The Inaugural 2020 Cohort
Stephanie McKee, Victoria Jones, Eureka Gilkey, Sarah Lockridge-Steckel, Gregory McPherson, Cheryl P. Johnson, Lisa Lee, Jacqueline Goh, Josh Davis, Asali DeVan Ecclesiastes, Michelle Rhone-Collins, Michael O’Bryan, Eva Mosby, Rey Faustino, Felipe Pinzon, Kathy Park, James Wright, Irfana Jetha Noorani, Erika Gee, Mauricio Calvo
The Catalyst Collective is a community of practice designed to generate collective power and support leaders on a personal and professional journey anchored in self-care, community care, and racial equity.
This program supports leaders as they navigate the personal and structural experiences and challenges that leading nonprofit organizations in the social sector often creates.
THE CATALYST COLLECTIVE exists to spark change in a world where 87% of nonprofit and philanthropic executive directors or presidents are white. Each day, many Leaders of Color work relentlessly to interrupt the pervasive systemic inequities that disproportionately harm Black and Brown communities. These challenges are often compounded by being “one of a few” leaders of color in a position of authority and the extra sense of responsibility to “not mess up” in white-dominant environments.
To advance race equity, the social sector needs BIPOC leaders to thrive. Investing in the leadership of people of color is one of the most meaningful ways that foundations and nonprofits can support organizations in their work to advance more equitable outcomes.
The Catalyst Collective prioritizes supporting leaders with prioritizing holistic wellbeing, shifting organizational culture to accelerate race equity, and maintaining financially sustainable organizations.
This program supports leaders as they navigate the personal and structural experiences that leading nonprofit organizations often create. The program creates a space where members can work together to hone their authentic leadership and shift power by bringing the dreams, desires, and development of leaders of color to the forefront of the nonprofit sector.
