Addressing Racial Equity and Health Equity: How Can Foundations and Nonprofits Work Together Better?

In Chicago, foundations and nonprofits are coming together with new approaches to respond to critical gaps in healthcare access created by structural racism. What is working, and where are there gaps? What are the critical questions that should be addressed by both foundations and nonprofits who seek to challenge systems that keep inequities in place? We will look at how COVID-19’s devastating impact has revealed opportunities for responsiveness and reckoning in the social sector.

Panelists

Ayesha Jaco, Executive Director, West Side United

Ayesha Jaco, MAM, leads West Side United on its quest to reduce the 14-year life expectancy gap between Chicago’s Loop and 10 West Side communities. Jaco manages a multitude of local and national civic, philanthropic, community, corporate, and healthcare partnerships that seek to impact over 550,000 Chicago residents by successfully deploying and sustaining economic, educational, health-related, and environmental strategies.

Divya Mohan Little, Program Officer, Polk Bros. Foundation

Divya Mohan Little is a public health and communications specialist with more than 15 years of experience working for nonprofit and public sector agencies. Prior to joining the Polk Bros Foundation as Health and Strong Families Program Officer, Divya worked at the Illinois Department of Public Health, EverThrive, IL, and the School-Based Health Alliance.

Maria Pesqueira, President, The Healthy Communities Foundation

Maria is an award-winning visionary leader and sought-after speaker addressing local, national, and hemispheric audiences on a wide variety of topics, including health disparities, immigration reform, women and family issues, violence prevention, and the future of philanthropy.

Moderator

Jacki Davidoff, Principal, Davidoff Strategy

Jacki Davidoff is principal and senior consultant at Davidoff Strategy, which provides Mission-Driven Strategy™, culture, and leadership consulting to philanthropic and corporate organizations locally and nationally. She is an executive leadership coach and trainer, supporting individuals, teams, and Boards to develop their leadership capacities and create learning cultures in their organizations.