There has never been a more opportune time for small businesses and nonprofits to strengthen and act upon organizational commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The pandemic and racial justice movement have not only exposed the deep inequities that still exist across society— their confluence has created a critical opportunity to meaningfully and structurally address these inequities at all levels of our organizations.
Many nonprofits and other small businesses are struggling to navigate the operational and economic demands imposed by COVID-19, while striving to meet the increased needs of the communities you serve. Investing in building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization and culture can be a game-changer and will support long-term sustainability.
But where and how do you begin?
In this workshop, we will provide a framework for turning dialogue – and intention – into action. Our panel of experts will examine some of the most common questions and challenges, share successful practices, and provide helpful tools, and resources to support your efforts to operationalize DEI within your organization.
This workshop is the first of a series of DEI initiatives being planned by the Oakland Chamber of Commerce. Ken Maxey, DEI Committee Chair, OAKPAC Chair, and Executive Board Member of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, will welcome everyone to the event and discuss the Chamber's DEI initiatives.
PANELISTS:
Kelly Brown, CEO and Founder, Viewpoint Consulting
Kelly Brown has over twenty years of experience in DEI strategies particularly with foundations and nonprofits. She is Founder and CEO of Viewpoint Consulting, which provides program design, research, and analysis to nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, and individuals to strengthen underserved communities. From 2011-2017, Kelly was Director of the D5 Coalition a five-year effort to increase philanthropy’s diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. The Coalition’s work was an unprecedented undertaking by leading philanthropic associations and foundations to tackle diversity issues in a coordinated way. She also served as Director of Programs and Evaluation of the Marguerite Casey Foundation and as Grants Director of the Vanguard Public Foundation.
Ms. Brown has a MBA from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and is currently completing her PhD at the University of Chicago.
David Harris, CEO, Urban Strategies Council
David Harris joined the Council as its CEO in July 2016. He has spent the majority of his professional career as a nonprofit manager and consultant, as well as a grant-maker at several of the nation’s leading philanthropic organizations. Previously, David was Vice President of Grants and Initiatives of the Iowa West Foundation and Director of Regional Policy & Florida Philanthropy for the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
Derreck B. Johnson, Owner, Home of Chicken and Waffles
Entrepreneur Derreck B. Johnson is the owner of the acclaimed Home of Chicken and Waffles. With a location in Jack London Square, the Restaurant was a major player in the redevelopment and revival of downtown Oakland.
As a small business owner, Derreck has supported nonprofits and foundations in a variety of ways to make a difference in Oaklanders’ lives. His award-winning service to the community has included hiring ex-felons in his restaurant and working with City programs to help keep the recidivism rate low.
MODERATOR:
Lisa A. Salomon, Principal, Salomon Strategic Development
Lisa A. Salomon has actively worked in the nonprofit field for over 35 years. She has held senior development positions in both New York and the Bay Area, conducted fundraising and Board development training, organized conferences, panels, and strategic retreats, and served on several Boards. In 2002, Lisa launched Salomon Strategic Development, a consulting practice serving small and mid-sized nonprofits seeking to build organizational and funding capacity.