501(c) Success: Philanthropy in an Era of Social Change

Change is the only constant. As our sector works to bring about positive change in our community, we have the opportunity to also create positive change within our organizations. From the smallest nonprofit to the largest foundation, this is the moment to be self-reflective and examine our role in ushering in positive social change. 

Join this session to hear about new thinking and emerging approaches from Health Forward Foundation's President and CEO, Qiana Thomason, and Culture and Inclusion Officer, Brenda Calvin.
During this exciting and informative session, participants will:

• learn about Health Forward Foundation’s pursuit of health equity through the dual lenses of racial and economic equity,
• gain an understanding of the self-examination occurring at Health Forward and throughout the philanthropic sector, and
• discuss the practices that facilitate and hinder philanthropic effectiveness in an era of social change. 

Executives, board members, and funders are all encouraged to join in this conversation. 

This is a program of the 501(c) Success National Speaker Series.  

Presenter:

Qiana Thomason, a life-long Kansas Citian, has dedicated her career to the improvement of health and wellness across the region, with a special focus on communities experiencing significant health injustices and people living in marginalized conditions. Thomason serves as the president and CEO of Health Forward Foundation. By focusing on people most in need, Health Forward works through partnership and advocacy to transform communities so everyone has a fair and just opportunity for better health.
 
Thomason currently serves as a board member for Grantmakers in Health, a national organization dedicated to helping foundations improve the health of all people. She also serves on the City of Kansas City, Missouri, Health Commission, and on the boards of the KC Chamber, Urban Neighborhood Initiative, and is a board trustee for William Jewel College. She received her undergraduate degree in Social Work from Florida A&M University and has a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Kansas.
 
Brenda Calvin serves as the Culture and Inclusion Officer for the Health Forward Foundation and is responsible for guiding the integration of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) across the organization. Health Forward Foundation is dedicated to transforming communities, so everyone has a fair and just opportunity for optimal health in our six-county service area in Kansas and Missouri.

Brenda is from Kansas City and has a passion for community engagement and organizational effectiveness. She joined the Foundation in 2010 and previously served as a Senior Program Officer focused on policy and community environmental change related to chronic disease prevention. Prior to joining the Foundation, she worked as a program officer and community relations manager for Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Brenda received her Bachelor of Science in business administration degree from Park University and a Master of Science in management from Friends University. During over 20 years in philanthropy, she has served on several boards of health care delivery or social service agencies. She highly values family time to replenish the soul and is a proud wife and mother of two sons.

Cancellation/Program Policies:

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