Lumibility Proudly Sponsors The SEAT Essentials Program For The Second Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jen Fournier
Chair, Nonprofit Resource Council Steering Committee
Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce’s Nonprofit Resource Council
(203) 843-1676
jfournier@racebrookconsulting.com
Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce Partners with SEAT Essentials Program to Diversify Nonprofit Boards
New Haven, CT — March 13, 2025 — The Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce’s Nonprofit Resource Council is proud to announce its continued collaboration with the SEAT Essentials Program, a vital initiative aimed at diversifying nonprofit boards in the Greater New Haven region.
Beginning Wednesday, March 26th, the SEAT Essentials Program will run for five weeks, preparing members of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) population for nonprofit board service. The program will culminate with participants attending the 4th Annual Nonprofit Board & Volunteer Recruitment Fair on Wednesday, May 7th, at Albertus Magnus College.
Garrett Sheehan, President & CEO of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Diverse leadership strengthens our business, nonprofits, and communities, and we are committed to fostering opportunities that create a more inclusive and representative environment, which is why we are proud to be a sponsor of the SEAT program.”
Empowering Diverse Leaders for a Stronger Community
“Sponsoring the SEAT Essentials Program is an investment in the very fabric of our community,” said Dawn Leaks Ragsdale, Executive Director of The Center for Inclusive Growth. “By empowering diverse leaders with the knowledge and skills to serve on nonprofit boards, we are creating a more equitable and representative future for Greater New Haven. This program is vital for building a stronger, more inclusive region where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.”
The SEAT Essentials Program is made possible by the generous support of its sponsors, who are committed to fostering inclusive leadership and equitable access to board service opportunities.
“As we return for the second year as proud sponsors of the New Haven SEAT Essentials Program, The Connection is honored to welcome a SEAT program graduate to The Connection’s Board of Directors,” said CEO Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore. “This milestone underscores our unwavering commitment through The Connection’s Institute for Innovative Practice to empower people with professional learning opportunities, foster innovation, and build a brighter future within the New Haven community.”
Denise Daviau, CEO of Lumibility is another repeat sponsor who believes in supporting communities by strengthening nonprofit boards. “Serving on a board is a powerful way to support local nonprofits, advance their missions, and strengthen the communities they serve. Lumibility is proud to continue to sponsor the New Haven SEAT Essentials Program this year, an initiative dedicated to expanding board leadership opportunities. By fostering inclusive and dynamic leadership, this program equips nonprofits with diverse perspectives and skills, enhancing their impact in the New Haven area.”
Building on this commitment to leadership development, Jen Fournier, Owner & Principal Consultant of Racebrook Consulting, echoes the importance of equitable access to opportunities. “At Racebrook Consulting, we believe in the power of leadership development and equitable access to opportunities. Supporting the SEAT program aligns with our mission to empower community members from all backgrounds by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to succeed. Investing in initiatives like SEAT is not just about individual growth—it’s about strengthening organizations and creating a more inclusive and effective leadership landscape.”
This shared dedication to fostering leadership is also embraced by Marrakech. “Marrakech proudly supports the SEAT program in New Haven to empower our community of nonprofit providers and ensure that members of the BIPOC community have a meaningful ‘SEAT’ at the table,” said Heather Latorra, President & Chief Executive Officer. “This initiative fosters leadership and decision-making opportunities, allowing members of the BIPOC community to shape the mission and vision of their own communities. Marrakech is on a journey towards anti-racism, and this is just one of the several ways we support this vision.”
The New Haven Club of NANBPWC reinforces this collective effort by championing leadership and community impact. “For over eight decades, the New Haven Club of NANBPWC has been dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of African American business and professional women by fostering leadership, economic empowerment, and community impact,” said Karla Wallace, VP, Programming, The New Haven Club, NANBPWC, Inc. “Sponsoring the SEAT Program aligns with our mission by equipping minority professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to serve on nonprofit boards, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making spaces that shape our communities.”
A Curriculum Designed for Impact
Kim Bianca Burgess, Curriculum Author and Lead Trainer of the SEAT program, emphasized the importance of the program’s sponsors: “We are very grateful to the program sponsors who, without wavering, recognize the value of lived experience that can only be ascertained from those intricately connected to the community through residency. Over five weeks, minority residents are equipped with baseline skills of board service, including decision-making, professional board engagement, and board governance, which will greatly benefit New Haven nonprofit organizations desiring to expand inclusionary efforts and promote community trust.”
Join Us in Building a More Inclusive Future
The Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce’s Nonprofit Resource Council invites community members, nonprofit organizations, and local leaders to support and participate. To learn more about the program or register for the 4th Annual Nonprofit Board & Volunteer Recruitment Fair, please visit our website.
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