What does it mean to be Black-led?” With Service Never Sleeps

Despite the recent uptick in organizations committing to centering DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) in the workplace, many DEI initiatives rely too heavily on performative measures, such as ad-hoc committees and/or tokenistic representation in leadership, rather than values-centered approaches. This includes donors and philanthropy organizations who prioritize these quantitative metrics in their funding decisions related to racial justice organizations and initiatives.

 In response to this trend, Service Never Sleeps (SNS), a Black-led organization itself, launched a research project focused on the question, “What does it mean to be Black-Led?” to center and learn from Black leaders’ experience and values-centered approaches as the way forward to building equitable organizations and workplaces.

 Please join us for a snapshot presentation on this research project led by SNS’ co-founders, where they will share the data and findings from engaging 27 nonprofit leaders and race equity experts and what the next phase of the project will look like. We will also carve out space for funder peer reflection and reflective practice.

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Whitney Parnell

Whitney Parnell (she/her), Founder/CEO: Whitney grew up between Latin America and West Africa as a Foreign Service child. At Washington University in St. Louis, Whitney doubled majored in English and Spanish, and minored in Communications and Journalism, during which she also embraced her calling as an activist. Whitney’s passion for service and social justice brought her to Washington, DC to serve with City Year, and then work in homeless services. Whitney is excited to create a movement of service and allies by igniting quick social change through mass civic engagement.

Samson Girma

Samson Girma (he/him), COO: An Arlington, Virginia native, Samson comes to Service Never Sleeps after nearly ten years in the government and nonprofit sectors. He brings experience overseeing federal grants and supporting the capacity building of nonprofits across different focus areas. At SNS, Samson guides the strategic growth of the organization and supports the day-to-day programmatic, financial, and communications work of full-, part-time, and contract staff. Samson is a proud two time AmeriCorps Alum, having served with City Year and Public Allies programs in DC.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

This event is open to all BIPOC nonprofit leaders AND White-Allies/Accomplices/Peers

Membership in the Nonprofit Professionals of Color Collective is limited to BIPOC professionals in the social and nonprofit sector.

COST:

Free of charge. The cost of this program has been underwritten by The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the Grunin Foundation and is also co-sponsored by the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/collective-service-nevers-sleeps-what-does-it-mean-to-be-black-led-tickets-611323554207