Supporting Executive Leaders of Color: A Conversation with Sean Thomas-Breitfeld | S2, Ep 12
For the final episode of the season, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sean Thomas-Breitfeld, Co-Director of the Building Movement Project. Sean shared his valuable insights on the nonprofit sector, ways to support executive leaders, and the current state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). His expertise and dedication to this work were evident throughout the interview. Sean discussed the challenges brought on by the pandemic and recent years, including 'concept creep' and the need to preserve the real meanings of important DEI terms. He also highlighted gaps in current DEI frameworks, especially as more organizations hire leaders of color for executive positions. Sean emphasized the significance of fostering relationships within and between organizations to drive cultural change.
Topics discussed in this episode:
1- Sean introduces his role at the Building Movement Project. [0:02:37]
2- How Sean found himself in this line of work and the influence of his parents. [0:04:45]
3- Opportunities and challenges that Sean has encountered related to race, racism, and leadership. [0:09:04]
4- Prioritizing solutions to central questions and moving past mere deconstructive analysis. [0:16:11]
6- Identifying the most notable barriers to leadership for people of color. [0:19:02]
7- Unpacking the Building Blocks for Change Racial Equity Assessment. [0:22:32]
8- Explores why is a formal assessment so irreplaceable for clarifying how to drive equity work internally [0:28:07]
9- Sean's biggest concerns surrounding DEI and its success in supporting leaders of color. [0:29:29]
10-Further complications and new dynamics we encounter in situations with people of color in leadership roles. [0:33:20]
11-DEI opportunities for nonprofit leaders. [0:38:00]
12-Advice for nonprofit leaders for moving forward on the path to equity. [0:41:03]
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Building Movement Project [0:00:57]
- Saul David Alinsky [0:08:10]
- Race to Lead [0:09:02]
- Building Blocks for Change - Racial Equity Assessment [0:14:33]
About Sean Thomas-Breitfeld
Sean Thomas-Breitfeld co-directs the Building Movement Project. Before joining the BMP staff, Sean spent a decade working in various roles at Community Change, where he developed training programs for grassroots leaders, worked in the communications and policy departments where he coordinated online and grassroots advocacy efforts, and lobbied on a range of issues, including immigration reform, transportation equity, and anti-poverty programs. Before joining Community Change, Sean worked as a policy analyst at UnidosUS, focusing on employment and income security issues. Sean holds a Master’s in Public Administration from NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service and a bachelor’s degree in social work and multicultural studies from St. Olaf College in Minnesota.
Click here for a transcript of this episode.
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