Press Release

The Black Boardroom Leadership Institute (BBLI) Wins Prestigious National Award for Excellence in Innovation

BBLI was recognized for being a creative, unique, program that has demonstrated impactful outcomes. It is a one-of-a-kind leadership program designed to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion in nonprofit board leadership.

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From left to right: Nisha Brice, Director of Strategic Investment and Impact; Latria Graham, president of GLB Media Group and part of BBLI’s Advisory Council Members; Lisa Winkelbauer, Director of Leadership Orlando pose with the 2023 Excellence in Innovation Award from the Association of Leadership Programs (ALP).

The Black Boardroom Leadership Institute (BBLI) won first place for the 2023 Excellence in Innovation Award from the Association of Leadership Programs (ALP); an award designed to recognize outstanding innovations driven by Community Leadership Programs. 

We are thrilled to receive this recognition. It speaks high volumes of the effort and dedication that our team at the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP), Advisory Council and everyone involved with BBLI have put into making this program a true success

Tim Giuliani, president and CEO
Orlando Economic Partnership

To be considered, the innovation must be creative, unique, and demonstrate impactful outcomes. The innovation may be in any area of a member’s community leadership program, including programming, fundraising/development, marketing, recruiting, or a unique community partnership.

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BBLI won the 2023 Excellence in Innovation Award from the Association of Leadership Programs (ALP).

BBLI is a transformational program designed to help grow a talent pipeline of Black leaders and drive change on nonprofit boards in the Orlando region.

Nisha Brice, director of strategic investment and impact emphasized that BBLI is a one-of-a-kind leadership program designed to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion in nonprofit board leadership.

This award is a testament to the success we have seen in our community and the need to provide access to leadership opportunities. I am grateful to be a part of this amazing team and to play a small part in making an impact in my community.

Nisha Brice, director of strategic investment and impact

Since its inception in January 2022, BBLI has worked with nonprofit organizations to develop passionate leaders and provide access to opportunities to those who have historically been overlooked.

OEP’s focused on developing a pipeline of leaders that are dedicated to making an impact in the community through board service and for nonprofit organizations to be intentional about diversity and inclusion in their boardroom.

BBLI represents an additional layer of the OEP’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts and proves that by investing in our community we work to enhance the leadership capacity and diversity of the next generation of leaders and have impactful outcomes that make our region better for everyone.

Tim Giuliani, president and CEO
Orlando Economic Partnership

The transformational six-month program, divided into two tracks: one for Black leaders and one for nonprofit organizations, engages individuals representing small businesses, educational organizations, nonprofits, grassroots organizations, and major Fortune 500 companies from across the Orlando region. 

Latria Graham, president of GLB Media Group and part of BBLI’s Advisory Council Members said that “embracing an inclusive environment on boards is not only the right thing to do, but it is also the key to unlocking untapped potential which drives progress and amplifies voices as we help pave the way for Black leaders to thrive, flourish, and make lasting impacts locally and globally.” 

Graham spoke about BBLI’s strong brand presence that resonates with audiences and how it can drive meaningful change and foster inclusivity.

Only through intentional and thoughtful intentions, we were truly able to capture the essence of the Institute’s vision, celebrating the brilliance and resilience of black leaders in boardrooms.

Latria Graham, president
GLB Media Group

BBLI has been made possible thanks to contributions from the Wells Fargo Foundation, Central Florida Foundation and Helios Education Foundation. 

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.