New Haven, CT – February 2nd, 2024 – The Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce’s Nonprofit Resource Council announces its new collaboration with the SEAT (Skill, Educate, Act, Transform) Essentials Program with the purpose of diversifying nonprofit boards. The SEAT Essentials Program invites minority business professionals and members of the BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) population to participate in the program that will equip them to serve on a nonprofit board. The program takes place Wednesday, March 27th, 2024, through Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, at the Chamber’s offices located at 900 Chapel Street, 10th Floor, New Haven, CT 06510. During the five-week training program, participants will learn more about what it means to serve on a nonprofit board and the expectations and responsibilities of board members.
“The Chamber is dedicated to fostering inclusive growth and shaping the leaders of the future. Partnering with the SEAT Essentials Program is a seamless alignment that further advances our mission. We are excited for the commencement of this program and look forward to witnessing the personal development of participants as they prepare to serve their community and the Greater New Haven region,” said Tameika G. Miller, Executive Vice President of Member Engagement and Communications for the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce.
Kim Bianca Burgess, SEAT Curriculum Author and Lead Trainer, said, “We are delighted to deliver our five-week SEAT Essentials program to minority participants of the 3rd Annual Nonprofit Board & Volunteer Recruitment Fair, happening on Wednesday, May 8th at Albertus Magnus College. We strongly believe expanding the pool of candidates who have a baseline understanding of various aspects of board service, including decision-making, professional board engagement, and board governance will be a great benefit for New Haven nonprofit organizations desiring to be inclusionary of those with lived experiences in the minority neighborhoods and communities they serve.”
“Board service offers individuals a meaningful pathway to aid local nonprofits and positively impact their communities. SARAH Inc. is happy to sponsor the New Haven SEAT Essentials Program and support this important initiative aimed at cultivating inclusivity, diversity, and opportunity in board service roles within the New Haven area,” said Denise Daviau, CEO of SARAH Inc.
“GSB is proud to support SEAT’s program mission of bringing voices from underserved communities to the table through board representation. We look forward to the continued positive impact from the good work SEAT is doing in our communities,” said Shalonta Ford, Senior Vice President of Community Relations and DEI for GSB.
“As proud sponsors of the New Haven SEAT Essentials Program, The Connection Institute for Innovative Practice believes in empowering community through education, fostering innovation, and contributing to the growth of a skilled workforce. Our support reflects our commitment to this work and building a brighter future for New Haven and its residents,” said Mariana Serrano, Director of Diversity and Social Impact for The Connection Institute for Innovative Practice.
“We, at UNAPEN, believe that it is critical to have Board members for community nonprofits, that are diverse, understand the needs of the community and understand their role as a Board member. SEAT is the perfect mechanism to achieve these goals and we heartly support their efforts,” said Joan Walker, Managing Director of UNAPEN, Inc.
This program is sponsored by SARAH Inc., GSB, The Connection, and UNAPEN. The Chamber’s Nonprofit Resource Council is presented by Whittlesey.
Individuals interested in the SEAT Essentials program will need to complete a short application and undergo a brief selection process as part of the enrollment process. For the most up-to-date information and to register for the SEAT program, please visit www.gnhcc.com/events or contact Tameika G. Miller at tmiller@gnhcc.com.
About the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce
The Greater New Haven Chamber, whose mission is to be an advocate for business, a valuable resource for members, a venue for connections, and a promoter of economic growth that is shared and inclusive, serves 15 municipalities. These municipalities include Bethany, Branford, Cheshire, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Milford, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Wallingford, West Haven, and Woodbridge. Established in 1794, the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce is one of the three oldest institutions of its kind in the United States.