This is the fifth and final installment of our Board of Directors Blog Series. Thank you for reading!
Nonprofits are stronger when they include a variety of experiences, perspectives, and skills, and utilize practices that nurture creativity and equity. To support this integral part of organizational success, Charities Review Council developed the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Toolkit, an affordable, organization-focused tool for organizations who wish to build a more effective and reflective organization from the inside out. In today’s installment of the Board of Directors blog series, we focus on two of our biggest DEI Toolkit supporters, Malissa Adams and Stacey Nelson-Kumar.
Malissa Adams
Malissa Adams currently serves as COO for Stanton Adams Consulting LLC where she is a Senior Racial Equity Consultant. Malissa is a leader, with over 15 years of experience working in the public and private sector, as well as the nonprofit sector. She has worked with numerous organizations—within the Twin Cities and the broader US—to identify gaps in equity and access, and is currently a Graduate student pursuing a Masters in Nonprofit and Public Administration from Metropolitan State University. Malissa is most noted for her ability to motivate others, bridge gaps, and act as a conduit between organizations and underserved communities.
Stacey Nelson-Kumar
Stacey Nelson-Kumar serves as Director of Community Impact for Comcast Twin Cities Region where she is responsible for managing charitable giving and community partnerships in an effort to bridge the digital divide. Stacey’s career in community relations spans nearly 20 years across several companies, industries, and geographies. She graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a dual master’s degree in Social Work and Business Administration and also holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. When she is not demonstrating her passion for the intersection of community organizations and for-profit businesses, she enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with family.
What excites you about serving on Charities Review Council’s Board of Directors?
Malissa: This is my first year on the board, so I am excited to learn more about Charities Review Council’s work and how to be a smart, informed giver.
Stacey: Charities Review Council is entering an incredible season of growth. I’m excited to help guide our evolution and maximize opportunities for impact.
What unique talent, skill, experience, and/or expertise do you bring to the Charities Review Council’s Board of Directors?
Malissa: As an Equity and Inclusion consultant, I have the ability to add a diverse perspective and support efforts with the DEI Toolkit.
Stacey: As a corporate grantmaker, I bring a unique perspective to the organization on how nonprofits are evaluated for financial support. I can also help promote the organization’s programs and services to my peers in corporate philanthropy and make connections to complementary organizations.
What’s one thing you wish people knew about Charities Review Council?
Malissa: The Council is a bridge-builder, building donor and nonprofit relationships that strengthen our community. The Council is also a nonprofit, relying on the generous donations of others to continue their great work.
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Stacey: I wish more people knew about Charities Review Council and the services they offer. The Council’s board and staff are committed to building a stronger sector and community.
From your perspective, why is the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Toolkit important for nonprofits and our community as a whole?
Malissa: The best thing about the DEI toolkit is that it gets leaders thinking and talking about how their agency shows up in and represents the communities they serve. That’s a great first step on the journey towards true equity.
Stacey: As the nonprofit sector continues to evolve in its service to society, inclusion has never been more important. The DEI toolkit is an efficient and cost-effective way for organizations to evaluate themselves in pursuit of making a real and lasting difference for the clients they serve.
Join us in welcoming Malissa Adams and Stacey Nelson-Kumar to Charities Review Council’s Board of Directors. Send them a note of welcome to info@smartgivers.org.
And with that, we’ve completed our 5-part Board of Directors Blog Series. Thank you for tuning in!
