“The Nonprofit Professionals of Color Collective is a membership organization that centers the personal & professional development of leaders of color to and through the Executive pipeline.”

Supporting Professionals of Color at All Levels of Nonprofit Leadership
A network of equity-driven leaders of color.
Welcome to The Nonprofit Professionals of Color Collective. The Collective is a curated convening for people of color who are committed to their professional growth, giving and receiving support, and networking with like-minded peers. We host monthly sessions, including panel discussions, guest speakers, mentorship circles, workshops, and locally relevant programs, all focused on professionals of color.
Members outside of NJ are welcomed.
BIPOC Focused and Centered Space
The Collective creates a Safe Space composed of their peers to share their experiences and struggles as professionals of color working in the nonprofit sector.
Your whole, authentic self is welcome.
Culturally Competent Capacity Building & Technical Assistance
We employ a community-centric approach to professional development and advancement in the nonprofit sector. Participants are exposed to tools and Information to broaden and deepen understanding of the nonprofit sector and equity from formal sessions and from within the informal Collective network.
Intersectional Support
Professional Development happens within the context of a larger community. Our approach extends beyond traditional capacity building and employs peer to peer support through affinity groups.
Member Testimonial
“I registered our development associate for the Nonprofit Fundraising Boot Camp with Kishshana Palmer. We’ve also paid for staff to attend other workshops from the Nonprofit Professionals of Color Collective. As I see it, our nonprofit will see a return on our investment from bolstering of the skills of our team members so we can continue to have community impact. Plus, studies show that when employers invest in their staff, those staff members feel valued and appreciated. Those feelings make them more loyal plus productivity increases. It’s a win-win proposition.”
— Taneshia Nash Laird; Former President & CEO at Newark Symphony Hall and the Inaugural President & CEO of the Greater Roxbury Arts & Cultural Center
-Taneshia Nash Laird
Personal & Professional Development
The Collective supports and encourages professionals of color across the nonprofit Executive pipeline by connecting participants to opportunities for advancement, personal/professional development, One-on-One Coaching both Holistic and Executive; as well as Individual Therapy and Group Mental Wellness
Membership
Member benefits include exclusive membership directory access, opportunities to receive career coaching, discounted programs and scholarships, and more.
Accomplices & Allyship
White colleagues have a role in understanding racism and white supremacy, in dismantling it, and amplifying the voices and experiences of BIPOC peers. If you do not identify as a person of color, we ask you to do this work as an ally, advocate, and accomplice in other spaces.
We offer opportunities to volunteer in collective work and to attend workshops co-sponsored by our partners.
Upcoming Events
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Beyond the Rulings: Strategies to Safeguard Nonprofits in a Shifting Legal Landscape
April 11, 2025 on Zoom
1:00-2:30pmEST
Recent Supreme Court affirmative action rulings and sweeping government executive actions are targeting diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and access initiatives in the public and private sectors. This web briefing, the first in a series, will cover the latest legal developments and offer suggestions for nonprofits to chart a course in this landscape, remaining true to their missions and the people and communities they serve, while mitigating risk to their organization.
This session will not be recorded
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Preserving Our History, Saving Our Legacies: How to Capture, Document and Protect Your Narratives
April 25, 2025 on Zoom
11:30am-1:00pmEST
Join us on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 11:30amEST for Preserving Our History, Saving Our Legacies: How to Capture, Document and Protect Your Narratives.
In today’s political climate, where marginalized communities face increasing erasure, oral history has become a powerful tool for resistance, preservation, and truth-telling. By documenting the lived experiences of BIPOC LGBTQ+ individuals, we not only safeguard their histories but also challenge dominant narratives, ensuring that future generations have access to authentic, diverse voices.
Join members of the Queer Newark Oral History Project for an engaging and practical session on the transformative power of oral history. You’ll explore how this project has successfully preserved the voices of Newark’s LGBTQ+ communities and gain valuable insights into using oral history as a method for cultural preservation and social justice.
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to:
Conduct Impactful Interviews: Master techniques for building trust, asking meaningful questions, and drawing out reflective, nuanced stories—particularly from individuals whose voices are often marginalized or silenced.
Apply Best Practices for Story Collection: Receive practical tips on capturing and preserving oral histories, including recording methods, transcription strategies, and archiving considerations.
Navigate Ethical Considerations: Understand the complexities of working with personal memories, including securing informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, and handling sensitive topics with care and respect.
Leverage Oral History for Advocacy: Discover how oral histories can be used to amplify marginalized voices in public history, museums, journalism, community organizing, and activism. Learn how to turn personal narratives into powerful tools for advocacy and change.
Whether you’re a researcher, community advocate, or simply passionate about preserving diverse voices, this session will equip you with the skills and knowledge to engage in meaningful oral history work that honors and uplifts underrepresented communities.
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
hello@nppoccollective.org