Diversity and Inclusion: What You Need to Know
Exceptional boards value diverse expression, perspectives and points of view. Harnessing the power of diversity in the boardroom, however, requires that boards engage in critical conversations, confront uncomfortable topics head-on, and create a culture of inclusion that addresses board dynamics, power, and practices, in order to strengthen organizational viability. This webinar will highlight key findings from BoardSource’s research on attitudes and perceptions of inclusion based on responses from 650 nonprofit board members of color, share how some organizations are trying to take the bull by the horn to make progress, and discuss specific strategies for capacity-builders helping nonprofit boards create a culture of inclusion.
About the Presenter:
Vernetta Walker, JD, Vice President of Consulting, Training, and Assessments, BoardSource.
Vernetta Walker works with national and international nonprofit organizations addressing a wide range of governance topics, including board responsibilities and engagement; legal compliance; and exceptional practices. Vernetta also leads BoardSource's diversity and inclusion work, with a focus on integrating strategies for transformative change and growth. Prior to BoardSource, Vernetta served as associate general counsel for the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations, was foundation advocacy counsel for the Alliance for Justice. Vernetta is a faculty member of NeighborWorks America. In 2012, Vernetta received the Kenneth Jones/Tony Austin Excellence in Training Award from NeighborWorks. Vernetta is a contributing author to two publications: Nonprofit Management 101: A Complete and Practical Guide for Leaders and Professionals and Investing in Change: A Funder's Guide to Supporting Advocacy). She has served on several boards, including Planned Parenthood Orlando, Lynx regional transportation authority, Paul C. Perkins Bar Association, and the Valencia Community College Advisory Board. She received a juris doctor from the Washington University School of Law, St. Louis, Missouri.
About the Facilitator/Respondent:
Judy Freiwirth, Psy.D., Principal, Nonprofit Solutions Associates
Dr. Judy Freiwirth is an organization development consultant, trainer, and national speaker with Nonprofit Solutions Associates. She has been consulting to and training for nonprofit and public organizations for the past 30 years. Nationally-known, she is considered one of the leading trainers and consultants in the area of governance and has been a keynote speaker and trainer at many national and regional conferences. Dr. Freiwirth is the Founder/Chair of the Alliance for Nonprofit Management's Governance Affinity Group focused on developing new models and practices of governance and serves on the Alliance’s Board of Directors. She has also published numerous articles and publications for The Nonprofit Quarterly and Nonprofit Boards and Governance Review and is a chapter author for two forthcoming books, New Perspectives in Nonprofit Governance and You and Your Board: New Practices for Challenging Times from Researchers, Provocateurs, and Practioners.
Dr. Judy Freiwirth is an organization development consultant, trainer, and national speaker with Nonprofit Solutions Associates. For over thirty years she has been consulting to and training for over 200 national, regional, and community-based nonprofit and public organizations, primarily with social change organizations. Her practice includes all major areas of organization development, including governance and board development, cultural competency capacity building, constituent leadership development, and executive transition work. Nationally-known, she is considered one of the leading trainers and consultants in the area of governance and board development and has been a keynote speaker and trainer at many national and regional conferences. She has been an active member of the Alliance for many years and is the Founder and Chair of the Alliance for Nonprofit Management's Governance Affinity Group, focused on developing new models of governance and forwarding the field. She has also been active with the Alliance’s Program Committee and Governance Task Force. She has published numerous articles and publications on governance including The Nonprofit Quarterly and Nonprofit Boards and Governance Review. Her latest articles on alternative governance models, entitled, “Engagement Governance for System-Wide Decision Making” and “System-Wide Governance for Community Empowerment” were recently published in The Nonprofit Quarterly. She holds a doctorate in psychology, specializing in organization development.
Dr. Judy Freiwirth is an organization development consultant, trainer, and national speaker with Nonprofit Solutions Associates. For over thirty years she has been consulting to and training for over 200 national, regional, and community-based nonprofit and public organizations, primarily with social change organizations. Her practice includes all major areas of organization development, including governance and board development, cultural competency capacity building, constituent leadership development, and executive transition work. Nationally-known, she is considered one of the leading trainers and consultants in the area of governance and board development and has been a keynote speaker and trainer at many national and regional conferences. She has been an active member of the Alliance for many years and is the Founder and Chair of the Alliance for Nonprofit Management's Governance Affinity Group, focused on developing new models of governance and forwarding the field. She has also been active with the Alliance’s Program Committee and Governance Task Force. She has published numerous articles and publications on governance including The Nonprofit Quarterly and Nonprofit Boards and Governance Review. Her latest articles on alternative governance models, entitled, “Engagement Governance for System-Wide Decision Making” and “System-Wide Governance for Community Empowerment” were recently published in The Nonprofit Quarterly. She holds a doctorate in psychology, specializing in organization development.
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