Author: Zahirah Mann – President & CEO, SLATE-Z & CNM Board Member
Throughout my career, I have seen nonprofits from many angles: as an attorney working on nonprofit formation and governance, as a funder recommending financial investments, and as a nonprofit leader striving to address complex problems in communities. Over the years, we, as a nonprofit sector, have discussed the benefits and challenges of collaborations, alliances, and partnerships—themes being explored today during CNM’s Nonprofit Day in LA virtual gathering.
In my role as the President and CEO at SLATE-Z, I understand the complicated task of linking the missions and visions of entities and individuals to create a common agenda with shared goals and objectives, and the deep relationship building required to achieve transformational change. At SLATE-Z, with around 100 cross-sector partners from government, nonprofit, and academic institutions, we are working to revitalize South Los Angeles by moving residents to economic opportunity, and preparing residents, businesses, and students for the climate resilient economy.
No one organization makes significant progress on large societal issues alone, but together we can, and will, have a real impact. As a member of the CNM board, our team knows that strategic alliances are growing across the region, and our consulting staff provides the backbone support that help groups move forward together.
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About the Author
Focused on economic revitalization and environmental sustainability in South Los Angeles, SLATE-Z—the organization she leads—collaborates with 100 local partners and is part of a national Promise Zone Network working to transform 22 high poverty zones in urban, rural, and tribal communities. Zahirah holds a B.A. in Political Science from Vassar College and a J.D. from Tulane University Law School. Learn more about Zahirah.
