This Webinar Series is for Universities and University Foundations who are committed to and want to learn more about redressing historic inequities, changing the systems that create inequitable starting places, fund lifting opportunities and promote inclusion.  The Series will address how institutions can level the playing field and make room for those who have been marginalized, excluded, or devalued and who remain systemically underrepresented.

Learners will understand how to establish an Office of Inclusive Philanthropy within their university foundation, will understand best practices in creating transparency and discipline around DEI work in higher education, which includes conducting DEI strategic collaboration sessions to refine and create interventions that can yield impact at scale. Attendees will be provided tools to help identify targeted equity outcomes; guidance in conducting asset mapping and resources to help create a case statement for donors wishing to invest in social justice and equity action.

This webinar series consists of six, live two-hour modules (1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. EST), one time per week on May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and June 7^th.  All Modules are recorded should you miss a date.  Participants must score at least 80% on all five assignments in order to receive the course micro-credential.

While this series is well-suited for advancement professionals and diversity, equity and inclusion leaders in higher education, this series is designed for individuals across industries.

Facilitators

Maia McGill serves as the Senior Executive Director for the Office of Foundation Relations and Founding Executive Director for the Office of Inclusive Philanthropy for Florida International University Foundation, Inc.

Maia cofounded the FIU Foundation Office of Inclusive Philanthropy which brings together development professionals, community and industry partners from diverse backgrounds to inform, implement and evaluate philanthropic strategy and programming that promotes systemic change. This includes scholarships and wrap-around support services for students, increased faculty diversity, strong and inclusive advisory board governance, social equity research, cultural competence trainings, and improved health and education outcomes. Since the founding of the Office in 2021, more than $33M has been raised in support of DEI initiatives university-wide.

In addition to FIU, her roles in higher education included serving as the Director of Community and Multicultural Affairs at the University of Rochester Medical Center. In that role she facilitated and guided proposals and white papers for diversity research grants and initiatives; directed several community-based programs and screenings serving underserved and vulnerable populations — impacting thousands of residents. She was also successful in cultivating and maintaining relationships with key leaders in both public and private sectors, foundations, with various healthcare providers, researchers, faculty and community-based organizations.

Dr. Jay P. Jefferson currently serves as a data analyst for the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and was a former postdoctoral researcher within the School of Universal Computing Construction, and Engineering Education (SUCCEED) at Florida International University. As a data analyst within the Division of DEI, Dr. Jefferson has analyzed large data sets including FIU's first ever Belonging Survey, which was dedicated to assessing campus climate at FIU. Additionally, Dr. Jefferson serves as the program manager for the DEI Doctoral Fellowship, funded by Microsoft, which provides 15 FIU doctoral students with community support and professional development opportunities. Dr. Jefferson is committed to topics of U.S. and global race relations, intersectionality of social identities, MSI (specifically HBCU and HSI) campus climate and culture, as well as topics of power, privilege, mental health, and overall student experiences in STEM. His work is reflective of a clear passion and responsibility for engaging in critical allyship for historically excluded identities, overall co-conspiratorship towards social justice, and being vocal for the need to engage in authentic and equitable partnerships in service of continued HBCU/HSI success in broadening participation in STEM disciplines.

Prior to his appointment as a DEI analyst, Dr. Jefferson's postdoctoral research experiences centered on investigations of 1) the underrepresentation of Black women in engineering bachelor’s degree attainment (with emphasis on the critical role of HBCUs in graduating Black women within this field), 2) the experiences of HBCU engineering stakeholders (students, faculty, and staff) during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 3) how undergraduate experiences at HBCUs contribute to successful graduate pathways for STEM students. Finally, Dr. Jefferson is a certified affirmative action professional as well as an alumnus of FIU, receiving the honor of World’s Ahead graduate and is passionately committed to strengthening the institutional climate of his alma mater. He received his PhD in Animal Behavior from the University of California, Davis in 2020.

Dr. Shanequa Fleming is the CEO of Culture Accelerators, a leadership catalyst for innovation and trusted strategic advisor to executives and emerging world leaders—innovators, disruptors, change makers. Her “break the box” approach to peak people performance ignites new thinking, inspires innovation, and reframes leadership for the future. She brings more than two decades of experience in healthcare, education, consumer brands, economic development, financial services, fintech, foundations, and non-governmental agencies and is internationally recognized for foresight strategy and cross-sector collaboration that translates to radical results.

Shanequa is a recognized thought leader, and fire brand in breakthrough thinking helping leaders discover new insights and lead innovations that power personal and organizational transformation. As a former Chief Learning Officer and change maven, Shanequa has developed a proprietary approach to building capacity in organizations to be responsive to disruption of business models, disengagement, disconnect with stakeholders and digital disruption. She is a certified foresight strategist, adjunct professor, media commentator, keynote and TEDx speaker, whose leadership impact has been felt across the US, Caribbean, China, and Europe. 

Her passion and commitment to culture change is demonstrated through her leadership in global-scale efforts such as Virgin Unite’s 100% Human at Work and her service as board member for the Urban League of Broward County in Florida. She holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, Master of Science in Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Public Administration.  

Shanequa is the wife of Dr. Jermaine Fleming, mother of Kamari, Jermaine, II, Jae Simone, and furmom to Prince Charming Fleming. She is guided by a genuine love for humanity and helping people.