Empowering Nonprofit Boards with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Training
In this Nonprofit Hub Radio episode, host Delaney Mullennix interviews Renee Rubin Ross and Christal Cherry about their nonprofit board training and work on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Delaney introduces the guests, asking how their partnership started. Renee shared a meeting with Christal through a mutual colleague, to realize they had complementary skills and experiences to support nonprofit boards.
Christal describes their training as focused on building cultural competency and helping boards embrace inclusion. Many nonprofit boards seek this training, recognizing the need to diversify membership and create equitable policies. Specifically, Renee and Christal use deep listening, vulnerability, and reflection principles in their DEIB work. Importantly, they learned this requires ongoing commitment, not one-time training.
The training has yielded positive results, with boards gaining awareness and taking real actions to improve. Looking ahead, Renee and Christal hope to expand their impact, creating ripple effects among staff and communities served. In conclusion, Delaney asks for good news, and Christal shares the seeds of change she sees nonprofit boards planting, giving her hope. Listeners can connect with the guests through their sites. Overall, this discussion provides an inspiring look at how nonprofit board training on DEIB can empower organizations.
Dr. Renee Rubin Ross, founder of The Ross Collective, is a prominent consultant guiding social sector boards and organizations on strategy, governance, and advancing equity. She directs a nonprofit management certificate program and co-leads the Seeds of Change DEIB training.
A prolific writer and speaker, Dr. Ross offers insights on nonprofit best practices through her firm’s blog and publications like Lessons From a Cross-Race Team about Building Belonging. Her commitment to inclusion shapes her participatory consulting approach.
Christal M. Cherry of The Board Pro draws on over 20 years of experience empowering nonprofit boards. An author and YMCA board member, she strongly believes in inclusive leadership’s power to drive social impact.
With a background spanning counseling, liberal arts, and certifications in areas like fundraising, Christal consults nonprofits on optimizing governance. She founded a professional group for female fundraisers and actively participates in associations advancing diversity like African American Development Officers Network. Her mantra “Who’s at the Top Matters” motivates her DEI-focused practice.
