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.
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.
“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
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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.
