DESCRIPTION:

Everyone's journey with diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is different. Organizations are no exception. And while there is no universal road map to build an inclusive and equitable workplace or community, we can still learn from each other's unique journeys. Join us for an engaging and enlightening panel discussion centering the work of some of Gallatin Valley’s nonprofits who are building a more diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive community.


PANELISTS:


Eagle Mount serves individuals with disabilities of all ages, removing barriers to recreation. While it can be said that Eagle Mount is no stranger to DEIA, their formal, staff-wide journey kicked off in 2022 when they hired an outside DEIA consultant. Currently, they are building a staff-led DEIA committee and cultivating DEIA-centered discussions with their board.

Their DEIA goals are strongly centered around accessibility as they are striving to be the best place to work while fulfilling their mission in the most inclusive ways possible.

Panelist: Pearl Nixon (she/her), Director of Operations and Finance




Montana Conservation Corps hosts several annual programs working with young people from all across the county. Since 2014, they’ve been exploring DEIA. Today, they think about DEIA work within three broad umbrellas: organizational culture, member service, and community support.

Their DEIA work is guided by the core inquiry: How do we ensure that all people -- most especially BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ community members -- experience safety, belonging, and validation at MCC?

Panelist: Stacey Casamassima (she/her), Vice President of Programs




Thrive aims to provide local Gallatin Valley families with the resources, tools, and support they need to raise healthy, successful children. However, they began to notice the services they were offering were no longer meeting our community needs. In response, in August of 2021 they hired their first Spanish-speaking Parent Liaison position to better serve our expanding Spanish-speaking families. Since that time, their Spanish programming has continued to grow.

Their DEIA efforts are moving the needle of cultural awareness in our schools and examining and dismantling the barriers our Spanish-speaking families face in our community.

Panelist: Mayra Domínguez Lindber (she/her), Spanish Speaking Parent Liaison



WHO SHOULD COME

This Nonprofit Cafe session will be most impactful for leadership, board members, and nonprofit staff currently committed to or considering DEIA initiatives.