 |
| Benjamin Todd Jealous NAACP Photo |
Did you see the announcement about the new leader of the NAACP, Benjamin Todd Jealous? The news caught my eye because of his varied background — Rhodes Scholar; editor of Mississippi’s oldest black newspaper, the Jackson Advocate; head of the National Newspaper Publishers Association; and leader of the Rosenberg Foundation, a California grantmaker dedicated to achieving economic and social equity. All that and he’s only 35 years old!
Other than his credentials cited in the news services, I know nothing more about Ben Jealous’ background, skills or talents. But I am especially intrigued by Jealous’ diversity. Not his race, mind you, but his diverse professional experiences. As an academic, a journalist, an administrator, and philanthropist, Jealous will surely bring an exciting array of perspectives to his new job.
Join the conversation: So how is diversity defined and redefined in your organization? When your foundation seeks out new talent, do you look at diverse demographic characteristics and a rich tapestry of professional experience? Where do we find the mavericks who will bring new vision to our goals of advancing philanthropy and strengthening our communities?
-Wendy Wehr, V.P. of Communications and Information Services
