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Governance Matters: Reconciling DEI Values, Intentions, and Impact
A partnership program with Saint Anselm College Center for Ethics in Society
Nonprofit leaders recognize that addressing issues of diversity, equity and inclusion is crucial to advancing their missions. Many boards are embracing the work with a strong sense of urgency, and have articulated their commitments to DEI, but may be seeking guidance and inspiration to move beyond intentions to action.
In this interactive workshop, we will create space to confront challenges, deepen understanding, and develop strategies for change. Participants will engage in critical thinking and conversations that explore:
- The role of the board of directors and leaders in setting the tone at the top for DEI
- Internal assumptions and practices that can impede DEI
- Practices that support DEI
- Strategies to create sustainable change
Training is designed for board-staff leadership teams, with objectives of:
- developing shared language and understanding of core DEI concepts
- creating an authorizing environment for doing “the work”
- building confidence to engage in courageous conversations
- articulating an organization-wide vision for DEI
- identifying specific priorities and commitments
- moving from words to action
We plan to hold this workshop in-person adhering to current guidelines and protocols set forth by the venue. Per updated CDC guidelines, we require all partcipants to wear a face-covering (regardless of vaccination status) and will create room for social distancing whenever possible. Please do not attend if you are experiencing a fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19. Please note that protocols may change at the time of the event.
About the Presenter
Vernetta Walker, J.D.
Vernetta Walker is CEO and Chief Governance Gladiator of Vernetta Walker & Associates Consulting. Prior to starting her consulting practice, Vernetta served as Chief Governance Officer, Vice President of Programs, and Senior Advisor on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for BoardSource. With over two decades of experience as a nonprofit leader and consultant, Vernetta is passionate about helping organizations maximize their impact through exceptional leadership, intellectual engagement, and advancing DEI for mission impact. In addition to providing consulting and training, she is a frequent speaker on nonprofit leading practices, sector trends, and DEI.
Vernetta has worked with hundreds of public charities, associations, and foundations across the country and globally. Her clients have included Easterseals, Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, YMCA of the USA, the National Aquarium, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and the Walt Disney Company.
Previous work experience includes serving as associate general counsel and director of consulting 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. She also practiced law for several years in Orlando, Florida.
Vernetta is an adjunct lecturer at Columbia University, where she teaches Nonprofit Governance and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Nonprofits and Philanthropy. Vernetta has extensive nonprofit board experience and currently serves on the DC Bar Foundation board and is co-chair of March for Our Lives.
Vernetta received a Juris Doctor degree from the Washington University School of Law, St. Louis, Missouri, and Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.
Funding for the Center for Ethics' "Ethics in Governance Forum" comes from a $2 million endowment created by the N.H. Secretary of State’s Office and the Center for Public Responsibility and Corporate Citizenship awarded to Saint Anselm College in 2013. The endowment was created from a settlement reached between the New Hampshire Securities Bureau and Tyco International, LTD in 2002 and is administered by the University of New Hampshire Foundation.
Location: Saint Anselm College
, Manchester
Fees: Member - $40; Not-yet-member - $80
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