The Program
The Young, Black & Gifting program is being conducted, in partnership with the University of Washington’s Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D), to cultivate the future generation of philanthropists and advancement professionals.
The full program was developed as a way to plant the seeds for and grow the next generation of young, Black givers. We are not often told the history of philanthropy in the Black community, nor how we were givers before it was called philanthropy, or the impacts or potential benefits of philanthropy for our communities that are purpose and impact-driven
This program believes that philanthropy can reimagine a different future for those who understand it and can use its power. Using a newly developed framework based on years of research and outcomes data, this program will be a prototype for how Blacks create savvy, knowledgeable, and powerful youth who not only understand the landscape and ecosystem of philanthropy but who are ready to use it to change the narrative around the conversion of wealth, and the color of philanthropy along with its outcomes.
The framework is comprised of three components: managing mindset, building connections of color, and developing diverse disciplines. The goal of this framework and programming is to build the core foundation for developing philanthropic Black youth who not only understand the philanthropic landscape and how they can impact it but are well-positioned to assume key roles across the philanthropy spectrum.
Core Components
- Tracing the history of philanthropy in the Black community
- Defining the breadth of philanthropy and understanding its many forms
- Explaining how philanthropy is funded and the system of philanthropic giving
- Visioning the shift and evolution of the wealth dynamic because of philanthropy
THE PROGRAM: 1-DAY SEMINAR
- Cohort size, 15-20 students
- 1-day program
- Post-event networking
- A short application process for participation
- Guest lecturers from across the philanthropy ecosystem
- Required reading prior to participation (provided at no cost)
- Transportation and housing are not covered
- Stipend, lunch provided
- Attendance is required for the entire day/seminar
- Seminar Location: Seattle, WA
- Upon successful completion, preference will be given for full program implementation
- Post-completion, there is a required survey and assignment
The Application
Preference is given to college Sophomores and Juniors.
Eligibility requirements:
- Must be a currently enrolled student at the University of Washington, Seattle, Bothell, or Tacoma campuses.
- Must be at least in your second year of study.
- Should have an interest or passion for philanthropy.
- Must submit a completed application by the deadline (noted above).
- Must complete a post-session assignment and survey.
Timeline:
- Application opens: October 1, 2023
- Application closes: November 22, 2023
- Application review: November 16-December 14
- Notification of selection: December 15 (via email)
- Confirmation of participation: December 29
(if confirmation is not sent by this date, the selection is forfeited) - Date of program: January 20, 2024, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Deadline to complete post-session assignment: March 1, 2024
- Deadline to complete post-session survey: March 15, 2024 (to be eligible for the giveaway, a survey must be completed by the deadline)
There will be a maximum of 20 applicants selected.
Apply Now!
The Instructors
Capt. Robert McFarlin
Captain | Surface Warfare Officer, US Navy
Robert “Mac” McFarlin is a Captain and Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy. He has deployed to over 35 nations and served as commanding officer of the warships USS TYPHOON (PC 5) in the Arabian Gulf, and USS BENFOLD (DDG 65) in the Western Pacific. A 2013-2014 White House Fellow, he now volunteers as the fellowship’s National Recruiting Chair. Currently, he is assigned to the Pentagon as Military Deputy to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Platforms and Weapons.
Cordell Carter, Esq.
Speaker | Board Advisor | Belonging Evangelist
Cordell brings more than 20 years to his pursuit of a society and organizational culture where everyone belongs and has equitable opportunities to thrive. He is currently the executive director of the Aspen Institute Socrates Program, a global education forum, and the founding director of the Aspen Institute’s Project on Belonging. He founded the Festival of the Diaspora, and he has held leadership roles with the TechTown Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle Public Schools, Business Roundtable, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, and the IBM Corporation
Dr. Kevin Thompson
Philanthropic Partner | Scholar-Practitioner | Educator
Dr. Kevin P. Thompson is a veteran fundraising and higher education leader currently serving as
associate dean for advancement for the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of
Washington. He is responsible for raising over $150M in private philanthropy over his career. He is also the founder of Thompson Philanthropic Consulting, serving as a thought partner and strategic advisor to the leaders on philanthropy, organizational leadership, and effectiveness.
Dr. Mikal Anderson
Founder | Educator | DEI Expert
Dr. Mikal Anderson is the Founder of Prototype Entities, an equity-focused management consulting firm that maximizes the educational and economic outcomes of underserved populations in the United States and the global south. He has worked with numerous organizations in the K-12 education, higher education, nonprofit, philanthropic, corporate, and government sectors to build, operationalize, execute, and measure DEI agendas that have yielded impact for minoritized populations. Dr. Anderson is an Eisenhower Fellow, faculty at Tulane University, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Education in Secondary Education from Temple University, and a Doctor of Education degree in Global Education from the University of Southern California.
Michele B. Occhino, Esq.
Risk Manager | Philanthropist | Strategist
Michele B. Occhino is the Managing Principal of Bradley & Barnett Agency, Inc. which provides services worldwide with operations in FL, NY, and TX. Bradley & Barnett Agency provides insurance and legal services that focus on risk mitigation. A licensed attorney with 25+ years of insurance, contract review, and intellectual property experience working with BMW, the White House under the Clinton Administration, the YMCA of the USA, and the Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr., she leverages her legal background and insurance know-how to ensure her clients are prepared for the unexpected and can realize their dreams. She received a JD and Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan – #GoBlue! She and her husband spend most of their time in Jupiter, FL.
Tamara Josserand
Vice President for Development, University of Washington
Tamara Michel Josserand leads university-wide fundraising, partnering with development professionals across all three campuses, as well as philanthropic and civic leaders, to galvanize support of the UW’s and expand access to educational opportunities.
Tamara has more than three decades of successful experience working in
institutional advancement and strategic leadership roles at both public and private
institutions. Her work is guided by a deep belief in the value of higher education,
passion for student success, and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and
belonging.
The Creator
