E36: Creating an Inclusive Work Environment in Your Nonprofit with Carmita Semaan, founder and CEO of the Surge Institute

Welcome back to the Lead with Heart podcast. Today, I have Carmita Semaan, founder and CEO of the Surge Institute, on the podcast. The Surge Institute focuses on educating and developing leaders of color – who can then create transformative change for young people, their families, and our broader communities.

We talk about empowering leaders of color, creating a safe space for people to share their stories, uncovering inclusivity gaps in your organization, and more.

In this episode:

• [01:21] Carmita’s path to nonprofit leadership and why she founded the Surge Institute
• [06:03] Empowering leaders of color
• [11:46] Core leadership skills that involve both the head and the heart
• [15:23] Empowering leaders to drive change by listening to their communities
• [20:40] Creating a safe space for people to share their stories
• [28:16] Creating inclusive environments for diverse teams
• [33:45] Uncovering inclusivity gaps in your organization

RESOURCES
Episode 17: Empowering Nonprofits through Data Equity and Communication Strategies with Meenakshi Das

CONNECT WITH CARMITA
Carmita is a builder, creator, seer, and problem solver. Her expertise lies in supporting and elevating the genius of emerging and seasoned leaders - particularly women and people of color - and shining a light on the brilliance and

In 2012, I started a nonprofit in a small village in Malawi, living alone without water or electricity. Facing many challenges, I built a successful organization. This book is a tale of resilience, passion, and community strength. Discover the highs, lows, lessons learned, and unforgettable moments that shaped my journey.  Whether you're in the nonprofit world, thinking of starting one, or just love a great story, pre-order HERE<

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CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, and Certified EmC train the trainer. She is the Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business. She has worked in both small and large nonprofit teams in the human services, homelessness, and youth sectors; and she specializes in the EmC process, nonprofit leadership, board development, and fundraising. Haley is a passionate, impact-driven, experienced nonprofit professional whose mission is to empower, elevate and engage nonprofit leaders to build healthy, thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com