Press Release

The Orlando Economic Partnership Announces the 2024 Black Boardroom Leadership Track 

BBLI is a one-of-a-kind leadership training program bringing together nonprofits and leaders to guide culture change and create an environment of inclusion.

Modal media URL
BBLI Class of 2024 members.

Orlando, Fla. – The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) is pleased to announce the 2024 Black Boardroom Leadership (BBLI) Leadership Track, continuing its commitment to fostering diverse leadership within the local nonprofit sector. 

This year, the OEP received an overwhelming response with 115 applicants vying for a spot in the prestigious BBLI Leadership Track, a testament to its growing influence and impact. After a rigorous selection process, 21 outstanding individuals have been chosen to participate in the six-month program, representing a cross-section of small businesses, educational institutions, nonprofits, grassroots organizations, and Fortune 500 companies across the Orlando region. 

The BBLI is designed to equip Black leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to serve on local nonprofit boards of directors, addressing the current disparity where only 17% of such board members are represented by Black leaders. By nurturing this talent pool, the program aims to increase diversity in boardrooms and empower these leaders to make meaningful contributions to their communities. 

bbli2 3

“Our organization is dedicated to developing leaders who are passionate about effecting positive change,” said Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the OEP. “BBLI stands out as a transformative initiative that cultivates leadership and opens doors of opportunity for those who have traditionally been underrepresented.” 

BBLI consists of two, six-month programs: the nonprofit track, for organizations interested in creating an inclusive environment on their board of directors, and the leadership track, for Black leaders looking to serve authentically as a board member. 

Since its inception, BBLI has collaborated closely with local nonprofits to enhance their board recruitment strategies, fostering inclusive environments that value diverse perspectives and experiences. This strategic approach aligns with the OEP’s broader mission of advancing Broad-based Prosperity across the region. 

“In 2024 and beyond, creating a board culture that will attract the best and brightest is critical to the success of your nonprofit,” said Deloria Nelson, facilitator for the BBLI program.  “BBLI is a journey that helps you transform your board culture to attract and retain diverse board members that reflect the communities in which you serve. It requires Intentionality, introspection and a road map to create this new normal and that is what BBLI offers. I have witnessed the transformation in our first cohorts and am excited to welcome the next committed cohort,” Nelson added. 

In addition to addressing the leadership gap in nonprofit boardrooms, the BBLI initiative underscores the OEP’s ongoing commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. Through initiatives like the DEI pledge launched in 2021, which has garnered support from over 170 local corporate leaders, the Partnership continues to drive systemic change and promote equity in corporate practices. 

BBLI is made possible thanks to contributions from the Central Florida Foundation and the Helios Education Foundation. For more information how to participate in the BBLI program, please visit Orlando.org/BBLI.   

BBLI’s 2024 participants include:   

Afrika Hendley Real Estate Advisor Keller Williams Realty at the Parks 
Alexander Woldenhanna Program Manager 7-Eleven 
Benjamin Hazel Business Development Analyst Loyal Source Government Services 
Bobby Belton Program Manager City of Orlando: My Brother’s Keeper 
Brittani Johnson Senior Brand Marketing & Strategy Specialist Spectrum Reach 
Cynthia Williams Assistant Professor University of Central Florida 
Delroy Waugh CEO ADIBE Collaborative 
Heather Bell Digital Communications Specialist City of Orlando: Office of Commissioner Bakari F. Burns 
Imani Brooks Event Facilities Manager Lift Orlando 
James Bush Assistant Director of Student Services Seminole State College 
Jania Fuller Director, Community Partnership School Children’s Home Society of Florida 
Jarvis Wheeler Vice President of Community Impact Children’s Home Society of Florida 
Jeremy Garren Managing Director Per Scholas 
Kimberly Johnson Associate Director, Marketing and Branding Bohler 
LaQuaila Pegues CEO LaQuaila P. Enterprises LLC 
Lesline Pittman Registered Nurse Centene Corporation 
Maya Nelson Executive CAA 
Mi’Shara Bianca Community Outreach Coordinator Cornerstone Connections 
Rosalind Johnson CEO The Johnson Firm PA 
Shannon Cooper Parker Corporate Communications Manager Visit Orlando 
Trae Matthews Ransome Staffing Specialist Orange County Public Schools 

Media Contact: 
Jennifer A. Marcial Ocasio jennifer.marcial@orlando.org / 407.902.0221 

### 

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 innovation that will transform our region for good. Learn more at www.cffound.org