(Complimentary Webinar Recording) Decolonizing Philanthropy: Applying the work of Edgar Villanueva to Your Organization

The call for racial equity is causing many of us to reconsider everything we thought to be true, including the role of private philanthropy in society. According to Edgar Villanueva, author of Decolonizing Wealth: Indigenous Wisdom to Heal Divides and Restore Balance, philanthropy can inadvertently reinforce systems of power and oppression. From donor-centered (rather than community-centered) funding priorities to Board membership that is predominantly white and male, philanthropic organizations replicate and perpetuate the social architecture left behind by colonialism. Non-profits can make choices to change how they operate in order to help rather than hinder the communities they serve. In this session, participants will explore diversity, equity, and inclusion as it relates to philanthropy; learn practices that can be adopted by their organizations; and leave with a personalized action plan. For attendees who wish to take a deeper dive into Villanueva’s work, a second edition is now available for purchase and further learning resources are available on the Decolonizing Wealth website.  

Presenter: Alexis Kanda-Olmstead

Alexis Kanda-Olmstead serves as the Director of Advancement Talent Management at Dartmouth College where she helps people maximize their potential to achieve organizational priorities. During her 20+ years of experience in higher education, Alexis has worked in Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Advancement. She has delivered educational experiences to thousands of faculty, staff, and students; led award-winning diversity and inclusion initiatives; and started two talent management departments. She is the founder of the Amplify Gender Equity and Leadership Initiative that recently won the CASE Grand Gold Award, and AKO Collective, a leadership development company that offers training to women and girls. Alexis presents internationally on topics of gender inclusion and equity, including as a TEDx Speaker.