Leaders of color in philanthropy speak out about their experiences
In Chronicle of Philanthropy's profile on leaders of color, vice president for talent and human resources Diane Samuels speaks about her experience as a leader of color in philanthropy, and shares advice for young people entering the workforce. The lengthy piece profiles 25 leaders of color at nonprofits and foundations - and takes a closer look at the challenges and triumphs they face at work, including navigating difficult, racially fraught power dynamics with grant makers to their strategies to overcome systemic barriers and thrive.
Published in the chronicle of philanthropy | July 9, 2019
Leaders of Color in Philanthropy Speak Out About Their Experiences
After growing up in Jamaica, Diane Samuels came to the United States and worked at the Rockefeller Foundation for 13 years, starting out as a human-resources assistant. She is currently vice president for talent and human resources at the Ford Foundation, where she has worked for almost five years.
Facing several kinds of bias. I have more than one identity. I’m a woman. I’m a woman of color. I’m an immigrant. In philanthropy, we tend to gravitate toward individuals who’ve gone to the Ivy League. I have not gone to an Ivy League school.
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The Ford Foundation is an independent, nonprofit grant-making organization with assets currently valued at $16 billion. For more than 85 years it has worked with courageous people on the frontlines of social change worldwide, guided by its mission to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. With headquarters in New York, the foundation has offices in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.