What does it mean to philanthropic organizations to have a diverse board? How do you cultivate relationships and find experts in the areas you support? The Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland has spent the last two decades serving Cleveland in the spirit of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, who minister to the community’s most vulnerable residents.

To find success in areas of homelessness, health, education and Catholic sister ministries, the foundation has developed a robust board of directors with varying perspectives and expertise. The foundation credits much of its success to this deeply engaged group of individuals, all committed to the sisters’ model of serving to the margins of society and creating a community where opportunities for growth and quality of life are shared by all.

This panel discussion will engage a small group of board members of the Sisters of Charity Foundation in conversation to learn more about their own experiences and reflections on black philanthropy, why they accepted the call to serve, and how together, we can all work toward achieving equity in leadership to reflect our vision within our communities.

Panelists:

• Sr. Marian Durkin, CSA, Sister of Charity of St. Augustine; SOCF board CSA representative

• Susanna Krey, President, Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland

• Judge Michael John Ryan, Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division; SOCF board vice chair

• E. Harry Walker, MD, SVP, ambulatory network operations development and director of MetroHealth Center of Community Health (retired)

Moderated by:

• Robyn Gordon, director, center operations directorate, NASA Glenn Research Center; SOCF board chair