HERstory Matters - Rooted in Power, Not Permission

Featured panelists to be announced.

HERstory Matters is an annual speaker series created to examine the layered challenges facing Black women in nonprofit leadership. This convening, held during Women’s History Month, centers the voices and experiences of Black women executives who continue to lead organizations that serve communities with the greatest needs, often with fewer resources and limited institutional support.

This year’s theme, “Rooted in Power, Not Permission,” affirms that Black women have never needed institutional validation to lead boldly or differently. In a moment where equity language is being challenged, and funding priorities continue to shift, Black women-led organizations remain at the forefront of community impact.

Historically, the nonprofit sector has served marginalized communities and communities of color while often failing to reflect those communities in leadership. Many organizations across the country are led by individuals and institutions that do not represent the people they serve. As a result, Black Executive Directors frequently find themselves isolated in their roles, carrying the weight of both leadership and representation.

Black women leaders face even greater barriers to funding, access, and support. Their organizations are often asked to do the most with the least, serving vulnerable populations while navigating unstable funding landscapes and increasing demands for impact.

Despite these conditions, Black women continue to build institutions, stabilize communities, and drive meaningful change. HERstory Matters creates space for honest dialogue, shared reflection, and collective insight among leaders navigating these realities.

Join us as we gather to reflect on five years of HERstory Matters and to continue the conversation around leadership, power, and the future of Black-led nonprofit organizations. Light refreshments and select beverages will be provided.

Register now to reserve your seat.

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Host or Publisher The Black Executive Director's Network (BLK ED Network)