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RACIAL EQUITY
Earlier this month, in partnership with TIME, the foundation hosted a dinner and panel discussion on Martha’s Vineyard called “Expanding Equity: The Power of Purposeful Leadership.” The panel discussion with our President and CEO, La June Montgomery Tabron, Marissa Solis (Senior Vice President of Global Brand and Consumer Marketing at the National Football League), and Arian Simone (CEO & Co-founder of the Fearless Fund, a venture capital firm supporting women of color in leadership) shared personal stories and strategies for promoting inclusion within their organizations, emphasizing the importance of diverse leadership and purposeful leadership in fostering inclusive environments.
Additionally, La June Montgomery Tabron spoke at Bank of America’s Driving Impact Webinar series, addressing hundreds of nonprofit leaders and community stakeholders about Black Philanthropy Month. Joined by AJ Barkley (Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropic Giving for Bank of America) and Dr. Jackie Copeland (Founder and CEO of the Wise Fund and Black Philanthropy Month), she discussed racial healing, the impactful work of our Racial Equity 2030 grantees and the theory of community-driven change that’s defined WKKF’s philanthropy since its founding.
MICHIGAN
The Community Action Agency of Southcentral Michigan (CAA), a Battle Creek-based grantee, supports early childhood educators by offering rental and utility assistance. This financial aid helps educators manage living expenses, enabling them to sustain their crucial work despite low wages in their field. CAA also provides an Early Childhood Career Pathway Program, assisting educators in obtaining a Child Development Associate credential. This qualification raises their earning potential, ensuring housing stability beyond the rental assistance period. Additionally, the program enhances recruitment, retention and professional development within Battle Creek’s early childhood education sector.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Northwest Goldberg Cares, a Detroit-based WKKF grantee, actively promotes racial equity in the city’s Northwest Goldberg neighborhood by transforming disinvested areas into vibrant public parks. These parks serve as essential, free spaces for the predominantly Black community, stimulating local investment and community revitalization. Through tailored programming and community engagement, Northwest Goldberg Cares ensures resident involvement in neighborhood renewal efforts, enhancing the overall quality of life.