Through our years of facilitating cohort learning for leaders, we have created the space that allows participants to bring their most vexing diversity, inclusion and racial equity challenges and make changes in their respectiveorganizations. We learn, and apply organizational change tools. We unpack the biases we carry that get in the way of leading this work even more powerfully. We have separate caucus time for the White and People of Color leaders to unpack the differing personal and professional challenges each group faces leading race-based organizational transformation work.

In addition to being in a peer learning community, participants have accountability buddies, and each organizational team receives two private, tailored coaching sessions.

Participants develop: 

1. A deeper understanding of their identity as values-driven leaders who can articulate and drive a racial equity vision in their organizations. 
2. Increased understanding of how internalized racial oppression and internalized racial superiority affect behavior and others’ perceptions of them as leaders.
3. Pathways to action towards more diverse, inclusive and racially equitable organizations. 
4. Skills that support an increased ability to tolerate discomfort when engaging in authentic racial equity work. 
5. A learning community of like-minded leaders who can provide support and accountability to one another. 

Non-profit organizations serving Essex County with a demonstrated commitment to creating racial equity within and outside of themselves are invited to apply. Organizations will send a strategically selected, diverse group of 2-4 people from across the hierarchy of the organization, including at least one high-level leader, reflective of the breadth of positions/departments (programming, development, administration, etc.). We believe that sustainable change requires buy-in and engagement across the organization.

While we call this cohort a “leaders circle,” we also acknowledge that we are all learners in this work. More than a set amount of experience, we require willingness to learn and bravery in applying new tools and ways of working.

Applicants will fill out a written application by September 26 and be scheduled to meet with a facilitator for a group interview (along with your teammates) by zoom or phone. Because we will only be able to select about 10 organizations for this cohort, preference will be given to applications from organizations that

• are based in and serve Essex County
• demonstrate commitment to advancing equity and inclusion work (for example, your equity and inclusion work is not new, you may have a budget or staff committed to advancing the work, etc.)
• include the Executive Director as a participant
• can make the commitment of time (see dates below)
• understand that this is “heart work” that requires vulnerability

We will select and communicate with participants by October 17, 2025.

2025-26 Schedule

8 sessions (some in person and some virtual TBD)

1. Monday, November 3, 10 am – 1 pm (in person)
2. Friday, November 21, 10am – 1pm (virtual)
3. Friday, December 19, 10am – 1pm
4. Friday, January 9, 10am – 1pm
5. Friday, February 6, 10 am – 1pm
6. Friday, March 6, 10 am – 1pm
7. Friday, April 10, 10am – 1pm
8. Friday, May 1, 10am – 1pm (in person)

It is unique:

“Should be required for EDs and senior leaders in the area – like books that critics call ‘required reading.’“

“This experience has helped me build confidence as a leader. I have always felt passionate about social justice, but the Learning Circle helped give me a framework and a language to talk about it.” 

It drives change:

“I am always talking about it! It has provided me a platform to open important conversations that I might have otherwise avoided.”

“(I learned the) critical importance of stepping up to the moment when opportunity arises to do things differently. Be scared, but do it anyway.”

Our community is strong:

“…unique to have other leaders in the same space and learning from each other and hearing each other’s challenges and questions.”

“…space to think and talk about these issues on a regular basis in a context that is not my own org where my every action is scrutinized.”

“I was so impressed with the facilitation of the group. I honestly don’t want it to end. I feel so lucky to have participated.”

Rebecca Jackson

Principal, LoveSeed Coaching & Consulting

For more than a decade, Rebecca worked with Boston youth and families as a social worker specializing in trauma informed counseling. She supports non-profit organizations and their leaders as they build equitable, healing cultures in their organizations using trauma informed and restorative justice based principles. She also teaches in various schools of social work throughout Greater Boston. Rebecca is a Black woman who uses she/her/hers pronouns.

Brianna Boggs

Principal, Brianna Boggs Coaching & Consulting 

Brianna’s practice focuses on executive coaching for mission-driven leaders, racial justice education, and fundraising for social justice work. She has a passion for helping White leaders develop skills to push their organizations to deeper engagement in issues of race and equity, internally and externally. Her background is as a fundraiser for missions including LGBTQ legal rights, abortion access, healthy teen relationships, gang violence intervention, and positive youth development. Brianna is a White woman who uses she/her/hers pronouns.

If you have questions or would like to have an exploratory conversation about the opportunity, please contact Hehershe Busuego, Vice President of Equity Initiatives, at h.busuego@eccf.org.