Diversity, inclusion and equity in the nonprofit sector has been a topic much researched, discussed and explored in the past several years. Still, a sector made of predominantly white leadership, nonprofits have struggled to find ways to become more diverse and build pathways to real inclusion and equity that support new and more diverse leadership.
In a sold-out conference, attendees at the annual Massachusetts Nonprofit Network gathering heard from three leaders in the nonprofit sector who have been making strides in creating more equitable organizations.
Elaine Ng, TSNE’ CEO, participated in the panel. Elaine discussed the experience of coming into an organization that had mostly white leadership for decades and the opportunity to recruit more people of color into open leadership positions.
“I’m very proud to say that, now, fifty percent of our leadership are people of color and our board is a majority women of color,” says Elaine. “Though getting diversity can be challenging, it is not the heavy lift. The lift is how you leverage different people’s experiences and backgrounds to build an organization that has equity at its core, where every voice matters and is valued.”
Elaine was joined by Carol Fulp, President and CEO of The Partnership, Inc., and Deb Re, President and CEO of Big Sister Boston. The panel was moderated by Michelle Neves Hantman, President and CEO of the United Way of Greater New Bedford.