These leaders participated in a semi-structured interview to discuss the state of racial equity in their own organizations and in the field.

 

The CEO interviews yielded generous insights into the current integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, provided context for the gathering, and revealed expectations for the Presidents’ Forum. A full report will be available to all participants.

 
 
QUOTES FROM OUR FOUNDATION LEADERS

“It took quite a bit of basic training and lengthy discussion about racial equity and structural racism before we could meaningfully move forward [at my foundation.]. Even an aware group needed basic education on racial equity.”

“When you ask about lack of power building in black communities… have this reality of thirty to forty years of disinvestment in black causes and worsening conditions in black community—life expectancy, housing, etc.”


“We have to admit complicity, that every part of foundations, source of money, connections, is entirely steeped in a capitalist white supremacist model.”

“It takes partnerships to be courageous and vulnerable. An individual just feels vulnerable.”

“Whatever the foundation’s mission is taking time to clarify how racial equity and inclusion impact the mission...If you jump over that step will see as a one-off. It doesn’t really have too much to do with what we do. Giving permission to take time with staff to lay out the case for dealing with REI is critical to mission.”

“Foundations find problems and use resources to solve them.  It is linear and lends itself to a theory of change or theory of action.  Racism is entirely different.  If someone presses me on how to end structural racism, it would take more than a minute to identify specific, measurable, and actionable steps.”

“Best place to start is within board room because that is the one place where a foundation leader is not at the top of the pyramid.”

“Irrational prejudice or discrimination which eliminates access to excellence that is available but unavailed because of race, gender, age, or anything unrelated to performance is itself a barrier to excellence.”