Program Creates Diversity Pipeline for Next-Gen Executives in Philanthropy
The Council on Foundations today named Martin Acevedo to the 2020 Career Pathways cohort, amid a group of 24 industry leaders from across the U.S. Career Pathways is a development program designed to increase the number of diverse candidates in the philanthropic leadership pipeline.
“Martin’s selection for this prestigious program is a testament to his charitable work and dedication to the San Antonio community. This program will prepare Martin for future leadership opportunities, and I am delighted to see others recognizing his experience and capacity as well,” says John Cruz, chair of the Latino Foundation of San Antonio, a charitable fund hosted by the San Antonio Area Foundation. “The Latino Foundation is proud to join the San Antonio Area Foundation in sponsoring Martin’s participation in this program.”
targets mid- to senior-career philanthropic professionals. Since launching in 2010, Career Pathways alumni have pushed beyond the barriers that challenge diversity in leadership, utilizing the knowledge and skills attained during the program to move into senior and executive level positions within philanthropic organizations around the world. Recent data shows an 87% promotion rate among program participants.
“Leadership training is one of the best investments that can be made in philanthropy,” says Marjie French, CEO of the San Antonio Area Foundation. “As an organization, we are as committed to investing in the growth of our own employees as we are in building the capacity of our community’s nonprofit leaders.”
Over the course of a year, the cohort will delve deep into major issues facing philanthropic leaders; gain access to a vast network of CEOs, trustees, search firm executives and national thought leaders; attend virtual and in-person career trainings across the country; and be paired with an executive coach to advise and support them along their career path.
“We continue to be inspired by the number of amazing and highly qualified applicants we received for Career Pathways, and the 2020 cohort is truly exceptional,” said Karon Moody Harden, the Council’s vice president, Programs & Peer Engagement. “As we work to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in philanthropy through the Career Pathways program, we are excited to engage with this year’s cohort and see the work they will do in applying their new knowledge to improve their communities.”
The 2020 Career Pathways cohort will convene four times across the country and will be hosted by several leading philanthropic institutions. The first convening will take place in January in San Antonio. The program will conclude in October 2020 in Los Angeles.
Career Pathways is supported by Conrad Hilton Foundation, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and The W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
For more information about Career Pathways, visit cof.org/CareerPathways.
