High-Level Summary
In this episode of Rise Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons speaks with philanthropic leader Dr. Sherece Scantlebury about her multi-decade career driving systemic change across urban and rural communities. The discussion highlights the vital distinction between short-term charity and enduring policy disruption, emphasizing the urgent need to support working families and empower emerging leaders of color.
Key Takeaways
Systemic Policy Over Programs: Lasting poverty alleviation requires reshaping policies and institutional systems rather than relying entirely on temporary programs.
Authentic Power Shifting: Philanthropy must move beyond rhetoric and actively direct resources toward grassroots advocacy and community-led decision-making.
The Reality of ALICE Households: Nearly half of Arkansas families work essential jobs yet remain asset-limited and income-constrained due to broader economic barriers.
Empowering Leaders of Color: Tailored executive coaching and intentional mentorship are essential to sustaining women of color in nonprofit leadership.
Detailed Outline & Topic Breakdown
Origins and the Call to Community Work: Dr. Scantlebury shares how growing up in Baltimore's Murphy Homes sparked her curiosity about systemic inequities and inspired her to pursue a career using private and public resources to transform communities.
Career Trajectory and Disaster Recovery: From twelve years at the Annie E. Casey Foundation to serving as founding CEO of the Foundation for Louisiana after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, she emphasizes pursuing purpose over titles.
Reforming Philanthropy and Shifting Power: An exploration of why traditional philanthropic institutions struggle to fund structural power shifts, and how narrative change and advocacy remain vital.
Uplifting ALICE in Arkansas: An overview of statewide initiatives designed to change the narrative around essential workers and promote livable wages across Arkansas employers.
Executive West Coaching and Sustainable Leadership: Dr. Scantlebury discusses her next chapter providing leadership development for women of color and offers practical advice on active listening for allies in leadership.
Memorable Quotes
“We are not going to program our way out of poverty. It is about long-term systemic change and influencing policy.” — Dr. Sherece Scantlebury
“You stay bold when you have that vision for what change you want to see happen and you pursue it regardless.” — Dr. Sherece Scantlebury
“The main thing is to simply listen. Listen with curiosity and listen with empathy.” — Dr. Sherece Scantlebury
Resources, Tools, & Recommendations Mentioned
Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Executive West Coaching and Consulting
Foundation for Louisiana (formerly Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation)
Annie E. Casey Foundation
United Way ALICE Initiative (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)
Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE)
Bryan Stevenson and the Elaine Massacre Memorial
