Podcast Spotlight: Susan Taylor Batten on ABFE's Legacy and Vision for Equity in Philanthropy
We’re thrilled to share an insightful conversation with Susan Taylor Batten, President and CEO of ABFE, as she sits down with Denver Frederick, host of The Business of Giving. Denver is a trusted advisor and executive coach to nonprofit leaders, known for his engaging interviews with change-makers driving social impact.
In this episode, Susan reflects on ABFE’s transformative beginnings at the 1971 Council on Foundations meeting—a pivotal moment that reshaped the philanthropic landscape. During this historic gathering, ABFE founders courageously presented an alternative slate of Black professionals, resulting in the election of five Black foundation executives to the Council's board.
The discussion dives into ABFE’s ongoing initiatives, including the Racial Equity Advancement and Defense Initiative, efforts to expand funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and strategies to support the retention of Black professionals in the philanthropic field.
