Crafting a high-performing nonprofit board requires attracting the right mix of people, and more nonprofit leaders realize that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are critical components for driving deeper mission impact. Recent events, including the pandemic and protests for social justice, are a glaring reminder that racial inequity is present today in our communities, institutions, and even in nonprofit boardrooms across the social sector. To course correct, we must create inclusive boards and make space at the table for shared power and leadership.
Vernetta Walker, J.D., a national speaker and consultant on high performing boards and diversity, equity, and inclusion will lead this webinar and share insights on how boards and chief executives can partner to set the tone at the top for DEI. In the process, we will examine how unconscious bias shows up, identify potential barriers and tools to help advance the work, and discuss strategies for leading with authenticity and catalyzing change. You do not want to miss this opportunity to start designing your solutions.
A program of the Board Development series.
Presenter:
Vernetta Walker, J.D., is president and CEO of Walker & Associates Consulting, Inc. For over a decade, Vernetta served on staff with BoardSource, the leading organization on nonprofit governance best practices, as chief governance officer, vice president of programs, and senior advisor on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Prior to founding Walker and Associates and working for BoardSource, Vernetta served as associate general counsel for the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations, foundation advocacy counsel for the Alliance for Justice, and director of the Administration of Justice Grants for the Florida Bar Foundation.
Vernetta is an adjunct lecturer at Columbia University for the nonprofit management program, a faculty member for NeighborWorks America, and a certified cultural transformation consultant with the Barrett Values Centre. She received a Juris Doctor degree from Washington University School of Law, St. Louis, Missouri, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.