The transformational program seeks to advance inclusion on nonprofit boards and grow Orlando’s Black talent pipeline.
Orlando, FL – The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) is pleased to announce that after a successful application period and a thorough evaluation process, the 2023 Leadership Track of the Black Boardroom Leadership Institute (BBLI) will welcome 20 dynamic Black leaders looking to grow and drive change on nonprofit boards in the Orlando region.
The participants, chosen from nearly 100 applications received from candidates interested in participating in the program, are dynamic Black leaders representing small businesses, educational organizations, nonprofits, grassroots organizations, and major Fortune 500 companies from across the Orlando region.
BBLI is an award-winning, transformational program under the umbrella of Leadership Orlando to help grow a talent pipeline of Black leaders and drive change on nonprofit boards in the Orlando region. Created through honest conversation and idea generation of committed community leaders, BBLI seeks to address the significant diversity gap amongst Orlando’s nonprofit board of directors, with only 11 percent of local boards represented by Black leaders.
Over the last year, BBLI has worked with nonprofit organizations to be intentional about their board recruitment process and create boardrooms that welcome diverse thoughts and lived experiences as well as leaders to show up authentically and unapologetically.
Nisha Brice, director of strategic investment & impact at the Partnership
BBLI’s program consists of two leadership training tracks: one for current nonprofit executive leadership focused on culture change, inclusion and board diversification, and the other focused on authentic leadership and future board placement for Black community leaders. “This ultimately drives our region towards achieving our mission of broad-based prosperity, where everyone, no matter their human difference, lives a meaningful and prosperous life.”
The six-month leadership track is focused on preparing Black leaders with the skills necessary to have the greatest impact, offering foundational knowledge in board governance and opportunities to discover qualities that foster a genuine leadership style and empower them to serve authentically on a local nonprofit board.
The program was created to address the diversity gap amongst Orlando’s nonprofit board of directors to ensure that we are fostering diversity and inclusion on boards so that minority leaders have a voice at the table, not just a seat on the roster. “This ultimately drives our region towards achieving our mission of broad-based prosperity, where everyone, no matter their human difference, lives a meaningful and prosperous life,” Brice said.
To ensure equitable access and a fair evaluation, every name, company, and title were removed from each application. Applicants were evaluated across the following categories: 1) Need to Participate, 2) Leadership Growth Potential, 3) Compelling Narrative, 4) Board of Directors Interest, and 5) Commitment to the Program.
We’re honored to see the success and support this program has received and look forward to welcoming the 2023 Leadership Class during orientation day at the end of the month.
Tim Giuliani,
Orlando Economic Partnership
President & CEO
2023 BBLI Leadership Class:
- Traci D Blue, Bright Community Trust, Director of Strategic Community Initiatives
- Meltrice Boglin, Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resource System, Project Manager- Suncoast Region
- Tyechia Brown, Be Empowered Career Consulting, Principal
- Reginald Caldwell, FMS Consultants, Director of Operations
- DeShawn Chapman, University of Central Florida, Manager of the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships
- La Jon Dantzler, The Center Orlando, Volunteer Coordinator
- Kirsten Elliot, Client Enterprise Executive, NetApp
- Ileana Guzmán, California-Florida Cancer Research Education & Engagement Health Equity Center, Community Health Educator
- Malika Harrison, MASH Consulting, President
- Briyanna Jenkins, Seminole State College of Florida, Director of Student Conduct
- Brandon U. Johnson, Apartment Association of Greater Orlando, Director, Government Affairs
- Chad Jones, Harvard Jolly Architects, Vice President / Director
- Kaitlynn Joplin, Mission Partners, Communications Coordinator
- Anna Kinchens, Lift Orlando, Early Childhood Education Specialist
- Eze Nnadi, Nadic Engineering Services, Director
- Crystal Priester, United Arts of Central Florida, Corporate Development & Public Funding Manager
- Anthony Roach , Harmony Healthcare, Orlando Office Manager
- Fabiana Serat, Hope Partnership, Development Associate
- Sonya Vance-Brown, Revature, Director, Recruitment Services
- Dorian M. Williams, Orange County Government, Utilities Section Manager
BBLI’s pilot program started in February 2022 and has been made possible thanks to an investment from an anonymous fundholder at the Central Florida Foundation.
The BBLI program represents an additional layer of the Partnership’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts. In January 2021, the Partnership spearheaded a DEI pledge in which local corporations committed to educating themselves about systemic racism, using their corporate power and influence to endorse racial justice policies and improving wage equity, growth potential and advancement opportunities for racial minorities. To date, more than 170 corporate CEOs have signed the pledge.
For more information on how local nonprofits can get involved with the program, contact Nisha Brice, Partnership associate director, programs and partnerships. For more information on the BBLI program schedule and application, visit the Black Boardroom Leadership Institute webpage Orlando.org/BBLI.
About Leadership Orlando
With over 7,000 graduates, Leadership Orlando is Central Florida’s only community leadership program that spans across the entire seven-county region and is the largest program in America, offering multiple classes each year. For more, visit LeadershipOrlando.org
About Central Florida Foundation
Central Florida Foundation stewards philanthropic dollars on behalf of individuals, families, and nonprofits. We partner with people who are determined to make a difference in their community. Knowing that true change demands more than dollars and cents, we foster collaboration, fuel ideas, and spearhead the innovation that will transform our region for good. Learn more at www.cffound.org.
