Cherished Community:
We’ve missed you – it’s been too long, hasn’t’ it? The whirlwinds of life sometimes sweep us up but, please know, you have been in our thoughts every step of the way. As March has arrived like a fresh breeze, we find ourselves buzzing with excitement to reconnect during Women’s History Month – a period that celebrates the strength, resilience, and boundless potential of women worldwide!
First, we’d like to share heartfelt congratulations to veteran organizer and nationally recognized advocate for civil rights and social justice Lateefah Simon who, on Super Tuesday, won the primary election for California’s 12th Congressional District! At age 26, Lateefah became the youngest woman to receive a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship. She was later chosen by then-San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris to lead the creation of Back on Track and was appointed a senior advisor on police reform for California Governor Gavin Newsom. Lateefah is a member of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Board of Directors and is an Oxfam Ambassador. Beyond ALL of that and more, Lateefah is an inspiration and a friend who boldly fights for change. We were honored and humbled to facilitate the 2016 search that led to Lateefah’s hiring as the first President of Oakland-based racial justice organization Akonadi Foundation post Founder and Board Chair Quinn Delaney. Lateefah has since joined Akonadi’s Board, helped welcome new President Raymond Colmenar, and now follows in the footsteps of her mentor and former professor, the global trailblazer Barbara Lee (who speaks for us!). Barbara Lee has held this Congressional seat since 1998.
Second, we want to highlight two dynamic female leaders who, after years of dedication leading thriving organizations, are ready to pass the baton like Barbara Lee: Crystal Hayling and Fonda Davidson!
- Crystal is retiring as Executive Director of the Libra Foundation after an extraordinary 32-year career in philanthropy. As stated in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Crystal was always “a step or two ahead of the pack!” Crystal has been an architect and proponent of trust-based philanthropy before it was a phrase, embodying the values of racial justice and community instilled in her by her family. Crystal’s journey of philanthropic impact across organizations including The California Wellness Foundation; the Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Fund; the California HealthCare Foundation; and the Blue Shield of California Foundation has culminated in the founding of the Democracy Frontlines Fund, a nearly $75 million national aligned giving strategy to leverage millions of new dollars to fund Black organizing and disrupt traditional philanthropy. Crystal’s bold voice and willingness to break molds is unparallelled. We admire Crystal for her transformative leadership.
- Fonda is retiring as Executive Director of Cross Cultural Family Center (CCFC) after more than 25 years of exemplary leadership and impact as a thought leader in Early Childhood Education (ECE). Fonda has led CCFC through a period of tremendous growth now serving approximately 300 children and families at over 10 sites across San Francisco with over 100 staff. Fonda’s unwavering focus on centering the needs of children, families, and teachers in collaborative cross cultural environments is commendable. Fonda has advocated for quality services and program funding locally, statewide, regionally, and nationally. Fonda’s support of social emotional wellness and diversity education – alongside her peers and funders including the California Department of Education; San Francisco Department of Children, Youth and Their Families; Mimi and Peter Haas Fund; and the San Francisco Foundation – has been groundbreaking. We admire Fonda for her people-centered leadership.
We are privileged to be in community and partnership with these stellar leaders and so many more! We know they did not achieve change on their own and have been part of amazing, forward-thinking teams. Now is a time of reflection, celebration, and beginnings where new leaders can blossom and have their own imprint on these legacies of excellence. Interested in learning more about immediate opportunities to partner with innovative Boards, talented staff, and devoted partners? Read on below to see what these organizations are looking for in their next leaders.
Lastly, stay tuned for announcements of even more exciting roles in the field to come as well as the unveiling of a refreshed Walker and Associates Consulting soon. Think of it as a renewed promise to bring you stories and opportunities that inspire and uplift! Trust us, you won’t want to miss what’s next! For more details on these transformative roles, and to stay updated on similar opportunities, be sure to also follow us on LinkedIn.
In Solidarity,
Jeannine, Connie & Team
