SEAT Essentials Program Press Release
Contact:
Allison DeBlasio
Chair, Nonprofit Resource Council Steering Committee
Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce’s Nonprofit Resource Council
aldeblasio@theconnectioninc.org
Nonprofit Resource Council of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce & Affiliates Welcomes Back SEAT Essentials for Third Year
Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce Partners with SEAT Essentials Program to Diversify Nonprofit Boards
New Haven, CT — March 5, 2026 — 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 Tuesday, March 31st, 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 5th Annual Nonprofit Board & Volunteer Recruitment Fair on Tuesday, May 5th, at 545 Long Wharf Drive.
This year’s cohort arrives at a pivotal moment for the nonprofit sector. Organizations throughout the region are operating in an environment marked by tightening budgets, shifting funding priorities, and increased demand for essential services. In this climate, boards are called upon to provide steady oversight, ensure financial accountability, and guide long-term strategy. Developing a diverse and well-prepared pipeline of future board members is therefore not only strategic, but essential to sustaining organizational stability and strengthening public trust.
Highlighting the importance of this investment in governance, Allison DeBlasio, Chair of the Nonprofit Resource Council, shared: “Strong, effective nonprofit boards are essential to a healthy community, and SEAT Essentials is a meaningful investment in that future. Through this program, the Chamber’s Nonprofit Resource Council is building leadership capacity that strengthens nonprofits and drives lasting impact across our region.”
Building on this commitment to long-term impact, Chamber leadership further emphasized the role of inclusive representation in effective governance. “The businesses and nonprofits that serve our communities best are the ones that look like them. That commitment to inclusive leadership is at the heart of why we support the SEAT Essentials program year after year.”
— Garrett Sheehan, President & CEO, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce.
Community partnership remains central to the program’s continued success. Local organizations play a vital role in hosting and supporting the training experience. “Nonprofit boards are most effective when they reflect the communities around them. Diverse boards bring valuable perspectives that improve decisions and outcomes. SEAT Essentials opens the door for community members to step into board service with confidence, bringing their lived experiences in the neighborhoods they call home. Lumibility is honored to support the program for the third year in a row and host these sessions at our North Haven location.” — Denise Daviau, CEO, Lumibility.
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. The program is led by Kim Bianca Burgess, Curriculum Author and Lead Facilitator of the SEAT Program (Skill, Educate, Act, Transform), who returns to guide participants through the board readiness experience. “I am excited to join the Greater New Haven community for the third year in preparing BIPOC residents for nonprofit board service. During times of funding uncertainty and program reductions, strong governance is not optional; it is vital. Boards must be steady, strategic, and representative of the communities they serve. When residents are equipped to lead, organizations are better positioned to remain resilient and to continue supporting those who rely on their services.”
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 5th Annual Nonprofit Board & Volunteer Recruitment Fair, please visit our website.
