BIPOC leadership is important for leaders, employees, organizations, and communities everywhere. Here’s why it’s necessary and meaningful, and why we at Appetite For Change are staunch supporters of BIPOC leadership opportunities.
Combating Inequality
Creating opportunities for BIPOC leadership is a crucial step toward a world that is racially just and equitable. As Forbes notes, “BIPOC professionals face many barriers to attaining leadership positions, but it’s not because of a talent shortage—it’s because their opportunities are still limited.”
BIPOC leadership gives essential experience to those who advance to leadership roles, allowing them to gain forward momentum in their careers. Furthermore, diversity in leadership gives voice and power to marginalized employees, and can pave the way for future leaders as well.
Taking action to open up BIPOC leadership opportunities and circumvent disadvantages is a moral imperative, and is telling of an organization’s values and ethics.
Improving Organizational Leadership
BIPOC leadership is also associated with benefits for the organization or company itself. The Stanford Social Innovation Review reports:
“The ways people of color have experienced the world up to this point can affect how they lead. This goes beyond experiences of oppression or historic marginalization to include the connection, meaning, and joy these leaders can draw on from their respective cultures and communities. As a result, there are assets and skills many leaders of color develop and excel at because of the experiences and perspective their identity brings.”
BIPOC leadership can be especially good at teaching and modeling skills like:
- Motivation
- Building connections
- Recognizing value in others
- Heightening self-awareness
- Innovation
- Empathy
- Active listening
- Collaborative leadership
Furthermore, inclusive leadership promotes authenticity, adaptability, and cultural competence in the workplace.
Here at Appetite For Change, we are proud to have incredible BIPOC leaders whose work changes lives and strengthens our community every day. Our leaders, staff, partners, and volunteers use food as a tool to build health, wealth, and social change in North Minneapolis.
We bring people together to learn, cook, eat, and grow food, creating change that lasts. Donate today to support our incredible impact in North Minneapolis! Together, we can create well-rooted and flourishing change!
