As we commemorate Black Philanthropy Month, it is with great pride that I share an update on your United Way’s efforts to support a more equitable region.
In June, I had the honor of standing alongside our partners for the release of Reflecting Forward: Philadelphia-based Black Nonprofit Leaders’ Recommendations for Regional Funders.
I am immensely grateful to our partners for their leadership, hard work, and diligence in bringing this report to life. This UWGPSNJ-funded report provides a deep dive into the racial disparities among leaders in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors and offers key recommendations for how the community can better support Black-led organizations.
At United Way, we recognize the importance of not only studying existing systemic inequities but finding ways to correct them. As the region’s largest poverty-fighting organization, we play a unique role in identifying gaps and convening across sectors to bring forth ideas and solutions at scale.
At United Way, we recognize the importance of not only studying existing systemic inequities but finding ways to correct them.
That’s why I am pleased to announce the appointment of Kelly Woodland as Managing Director of Leadership Equity.
Having played an instrumental role in the research conducted in this new report, and in 2016’s How African American-Led Organizations Differ from White-Led Organizations, there is no one more qualified than Kelly to put a plan of action together to create real change—both within our organization and throughout our region.
Kelly’s focus will be on the design and launch of a centralized hub to advance racial equity in the region’s nonprofit sector and grantmaking institutions. For more than 35 years, Kelly has been committed to creating access to opportunities for all people of color, and we are thrilled that he is bringing his passion and expertise to United Way.
There is no one more qualified than Kelly to put a plan of action together to create real change—both within our organization and throughout our region.
As an advocate and supporter of our mission, now is one of those exciting moments where we can collectively share in progress and see our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion come to life.
You can learn more about Kelly’s extensive experience and background here. To forge a better, more equitable path forward, we must all be committed to change. I look forward to working alongside Kelly as we take the necessary steps to advance racial equity throughout the philanthropic sector. Big things ahead!
