by Linh M. Sasser, marketing coordinator, OKCNP

Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits Members’ Meeting 2020 focuses on nonprofits being bold in their efforts to make inclusion a priority in those they serve. Nonprofits need to understand what works and what doesn’t as they incorporate anti-racism and equality in the workplace.

The featured speaker at Members’ Meeting will be Kuma Roberts, vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion, Tulsa Regional Chamber. Kuma will share how together we can take steps toward action and strengthen the future of nonprofits by building a diverse, equitable and inclusive community.

Kuma is a Tulsa native, who graduated from Booker T. Washington prior to attending the University of Tulsa, Tulsa Community College and earning her bachelor’s degree in organizational management and communications at Drury University. She has often been a featured speaker at Tulsa events.

Previously, Kuma at a DisruptHR Talks event, called attendees to be bold when she asked, “When do we do that internal gut check when we realize real allyship requires courageous action and might require courageous sacrifice in order to ensure equity for all?”

Kuma, over the course of her nine-year career with Tulsa Regional Chamber, has answered this question as she worked with Tulsa-area businesses by overseeing development and implantation of  strategic infrastructure and initiatives that build a sense of belonging across the organization and demonstrate alignment with the Chamber’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

In addition to her work at Tulsa Regional Chamber, Kuma has served on several Tulsa area boards and committees, including The Black Wall Street Times, 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission, Workforce Tulsa, #RacismStinks, Tulsa Area United Way Women’s Leadership Council, Tulsa Urban Debate League, Leadership Tulsa, YMCA of Greater Tulsa, Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma, Dress for Success Tulsa, and LEAD North Program Committee.

“From her work with marginalized communities across the spectrum to her contributions to Tulsa’s recent development as a city focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, Kuma Roberts has done amazing work throughout the state,” said, Johnny Buschardt, senior manager of program delivery, OKCNP, and Members’ Meeting 2020 emcee. “We’re proud to team with her to help bring a message of diversity, equity and inclusion to all of our members and to the nonprofit sector at large.”

Join Kuma, featured speaker, and OKCNP on Tuesday, September 29, 2020, for OKCNP’s Members’ Meeting 2020. Members’ Meeting 2020 is a FREE virtual event. All are invited to attend, registration is required.

For more information and to register visit: https://www.oklahomacenterfornonprofits.org/membersmeeting/

See this picture of me from a long time ago? It’s grainy and a little sepia toned because cameras weren’t that good back then and digital imaging was a new technology so a picture had to be actually printed. It’s also grainy because in order to get it on this blog post I had to take a picture of the picture with my phone. That’s how long ago it was.

Looking back on this photo I see not my 20-year ago self but a freshly minted professional. Enthusiastic and ready to change the world one cause at a time. There is nothing like a little flash from the past to make you realize how many lessons were learned while flexing your wings. Learning to lead is not easy. There is nothing like standing in front of a group of concerned citizens on their way to a grassroots organizing campaign, or a hundred homeless people, or a staff of fifteen, or a congregation of a hundred and fifty people, or a board of directors whatever the size – all waiting for you to give them some direction for what is to happen next – to realize that you in that precise moment are the person who must say something. Go ahead. Lead.

My leadership path wasn’t smooth, clean, or always clear. I am so grateful for the people who directed me along the way and allowed me to fail forward, catch myself and try again. I’m grateful for every crazy idea I pitched that they let me try and every lesson I learned about the limits to my own strength and the importance of relying on other people. These gracious, incredible people – and the nonprofit and congregations they were a part of – provided mirrors when I needed reflection, coaching when I needed support, the occasional Band-Aid when I cut myself (that was not always a metaphor), and the important lessons in disappointment, bewilderment, and even betrayal that made their other lessons in love, grace, resilience and forgiveness the balance that is needed if one is going to persevere in working with people. I cut my teeth in these organizations, and if that sometimes made them feel like a chew toy, then, well, I owe them a long overdue “thank you.” Thanks.

What I know about my formational process was that there were three key things that made that my leadership path somewhat clearer and my development as a professional a lot more intentional:

• Supportive peer relationships: provided ballast, guidance, support – and, solutions when I was stuck. Meeting regularly with peers to have conversations about the challenges and successes I faced as a leader reminded me that I wasn’t alone and could indeed take the next step. I also learned from their stories and avoided pitfalls that might have derailed my good intentions in leading others and managing teams.
• Executive Coaching: I was fortunate to participate in a program that provided Executive coaching very early in my career. I would not have been able to afford this top-level support on a newly minted professional salary otherwise. It has been invaluable. There is nothing like having a confidential thought partner on your leadership journey who will both support and challenge your growth and development.
• Organizational Development: intentional leadership training showed me that there is an art – and a science – to leadership. Participation in several post-graduate school fellowships that taught organization development and concepts in industrial psychology let me learn that leadership is not a great mystery. It is a skill. And, it can be taught.

What I know about my leadership today is that I still need these 3 things! But I also know that not everyone has access to these three supports all the time, and sometimes finding the resources on your own is often frustrating. I also know that while we face unprecedented times and lead our organizations towards a new bold future lead by more inclusion and equity and focused on the changes to our programs brought on by a pandemic, every leader needs community and opportunities for growth.

The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) is honoring seven nonprofit leaders in six categories on December 3, 2019, at Visions: A Celebration of Nonprofit Leaders. Over the next few weeks, we will spotlight the honorees in each category.

One of the 2019 Pat Potts Visionary recipients, Jean Winfrey has dedicated over forty years of her life to Little Light House, Inc. (LLH). In 1976, with the desire to help special needs children learn and grow, Jean began volunteering with LLH. Jean retired from the organization as their executive director in June 2019 to enjoy more time with her family.

“The work I have been involved in at the LLH has been one of fulfillment as I see parents encouraged by the support they have received by our staff and realize they are not alone,” said Jean. “No parent ever expects to have a child with special needs. When they first receive the news, they’re not prepared for it, and most of the time they feel like their entire world is turned upside down. In many cases they must become medical professionals, learning the lingo, being trained to use equipment and scheduling constant doctor and therapy appointments. Then there is the emotional, financial and social impact it has on them, as well as the extended family. At LLH, not only do we offer a community of support and encouragement, but the tuition-free services we are able to provide is an additional blessing for these families having already been impacted by so many other expenses.”

Over the last forty years, Jean has served LLH as a volunteer, Volunteer Coordinator, Fund-Raising Chairman, Community Relations Coordinator, Director of Operations, Associate Director and as a Board Member, before becoming Executive Director in 2008.

In 2010, Jean and the LLH Board of Directors began a $17 million capital campaign that led to the expansion of their facilities, allowing them to serve more children and their families. Under Jean’s leadership, LLH was able to operate debt-free, increase their budge and expand their programs to serve more special needs children.

During Jean’s service, LLH was named a top nonprofit in Oklahoma by Guidestar for transparency and stability. Charity Navigator recognized LLH as a top-ten nonprofit implementing best practices.

“I know there are many deserving people across the state of Oklahoma that do so much to help others,” said Jean. “I am honored to receive this recognition and hope that in doing so, I am representing the amazing work being done statewide. Also, I believe all who work with non-profits, especially in the leadership role, must recognize we are not able to do what we do without the help of our devoted staff and volunteers.”

The Pat Potts Visionary award is named for the founder of OKCNP. The award goes to an individual executive leader who, through focus, tenacity and leadership, has inspired the success of a singular organization in carrying out its charitable mission.

To learn more about the 2019 Visions Awards or to purchase tickets, visit https://okcnp.org/page/Visions

Read about each of the 2019 Visions Honorees:
Bill Citty, President’s Award
Paula Gates, Inasmuch Special Recognition Award
Christie Luther, Rodney Bivens Innovation Award
David and Jean McLaughlin, Lifetime Achievement Award
Joanna Trimble Smith, Pat Potts Visionary Award
Jean Winfrey, Pat Potts Visionary Award