Diane Bell-McKoy is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Associated Black Charities (ABC), a non-profit which focuses on education, policy design and innovative transactional and transformative strategies to eliminate the impact of structural racism and its adverse economic outcomes for the African American community. She came to this role as a well-respected leader and civil servant focusing on equity and inclusion as the key tools for building a strong, vibrant economy for all citizens regardless of race. She is known as a passionate and inspired advocate for moving beyond diversity in an ongoing battle to make equity the central tool for achieving economic equality for all.
Interview questions:
History | Associated Black Charities was founded in 1985 with a $100,000 planning grant from the United Way. Can you provide an introduction and a brief history of Associated Black Charities?
News |Share with us about your new event series, Equity First, and its upcoming finale event on Giving Tuesday.
Wealth Gap | How are Associated Black Charities leading the charge to close the wealth gaps that put African American families at a disadvantage? How are sustainable outcomes created? What are the data-driven strategies?
Meet the CEO | Your career included a stint in Baltimore City Government under Mayor Kurt Schmoke and 1994 leading the country’s most successful Empowerment Zone, a federal $100 million. Tell us about your career in the decision to join Associated Black Charities.
Milestones |What are some of the milestones from your stewardship?
Changing the Future | How is Associated Black Charities changing the future? What are your programs/initiatives?
Ten Essential Questions | You authored a series entitled Ten Essential Questions. What were the themes? Takeaways?
Workforce Practices | How do you apply a racial equity lens to workforce practices. How is Associated Black Charities affecting change in this area? What are your initiatives?
2022 and Beyond | What are the strategic growth plans for Associated Black Charities?
Connect with Diane on LinkedIn
Associated Black Charities was founded in 1985 to represent and respond to issues of special significance to Maryland’s African American communities. Concerned that needs within these communities were not being adequately addressed, a group of area ministers and businessmen came together. They envisioned an organization that would raise and distribute funds in support of efforts that targeted the needs specific to African Americans in Maryland. As a result, ABC was born with a $100,000 planning grant from the United Way, three staff members, a dedicated Board of Directors, and a cadre of volunteers and donors committed to giving their time, talent and resources to making a difference in Maryland communities.
Recent news:
Finale of ABC’s Equity First Speaker Series to Feature Oprah Winfrey
Baltimore Native and Google X Entrepreneur Clarence Wooten Tapped for ABC’s Speaker Series
ABC to Host Conversation on White Supremacy in Business Schools
ABC Announces Next Installment of “Equity First” Speaker Series
Equity at Work, a New Webinar Series by ABC, will Launch August 26th
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