Executive Conversations

Language has an incredible way of influencing and shaping culture, people, and politics in our organizations. In the wake of the national attention the Anti-Racist movement is receiving, how you communicate your organization's mission and volunteer work is absolutely critical. But, even more poignant, is how you engage with — and communicate with — people individually. What influence do you have in communicating these messages with donors, volunteers, clients, board members? What questions can you ask to influence change in your organization? This session, will consider how to insert provocations to move your organization toward supporting their anti-racist statements with tangible action. The path towards true justice and equity is ongoing, and it can begin with asking questions and practicing inclusive storytelling. Those are the two ideas that will frame the conversation we are going to have for this session.

Amira Barger, CFRE, is an Executive Vice President on the Global Health Sector team at the public relations firm Edelman, providing senior Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and Multicultural counsel to clients. Amira is a scholar, practitioner and thought leader who brings more than 17 years of experience in strategic communications that reach stakeholders, mobilize the community and inspire action. At California State University East Bay she serves as a lecturer in marketing and communications. She also worked in the nonprofit sector for 14 years tackling pressing, public issues that impact us all with organizations like the Public Health Institute, Feeding America and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. She holds a B.A. in Marketing from Vanguard University, an MBA from Letourneau University, and DEI Certifications from Cornell University and SDS Global Enterprises Inc.