At the core of the recent Black Voices of Social Impact event, hosted by the University of Maryland Do Good Institute, was the recognition that the many Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofits operate on limited budgets, often less than $500,000 a year. This statistic, included in a report released by the Young, Black & Giving Back (YBGB) Institute, highlights the critical need for effective nonprofit management and leadership.
During the event, Kelly Darnel MPM ’93, COO of the American Clean Power Association and president of the Clean Power Institute, sat down with Latanya Mapp ’91, MPM ’95, president and CEO of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, for a conversation. While their dialogue explored topics including philanthropy, social justice and personal journeys, the essence of their discussion resonated with the mission of the School of Public Policy's Nonprofit Management and Leadership Certificate program.
The certificate program, designed as a fast-track option for career advancement, offers a comprehensive four-course curriculum covering management, strategy, finances and fundraising, led by experienced faculty. Completable within a year, this program allows flexibility with on-campus and remote learning options, enabling students to immediately apply their newly-gained skills in their professional roles.
As Mapp shared insights into her personal journey during the conversation, and the central role her family played in shaping her values and determination, her story emphasizes the importance of resilient leadership in the nonprofit sector. Growing up in Philadelphia, Mapp was surrounded by a supportive community that helped her navigate socioeconomic challenges. Her educational journey at the University of Maryland, where she pursued a joint program in law and public management, further broadened her perspective on advocacy and policy.
Mapp's international experiences, including work with the UN and USAID, strengthened her commitment to global development and women's rights. From her involvement with Planned Parenthood's international program to her current leadership role at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, Mapp's career has been dedicated to creating meaningful change.
I do want to try to move away from this notion of charity to a much more profound notion of being in partnership for social justice, because it's going to take us all… and all of us have different roles, and we come to it with different resources that we bring to it, but none more important than the other.Latanya Mapp ’91, MPM ’95
Emphasizing the significance of community-driven initiatives in philanthropy, Mapp looks to harness resources to support grassroots movements and community-based projects worldwide. “I do want to try to move away from this notion of charity to a much more profound notion of being in partnership for social justice, because it's going to take us all,” said Mapp. “… and all of us have different roles, and we come to it with different resources that we bring to it, but none more important than the other.”
The conversation highlighted the challenges faced by women-led organizations in accessing funding, with Mapp advocating for systemic change within philanthropy to address funding disparities. She also discussed the broader concept of reproductive justice and the importance of collective action in advocating for change. Ending on a lighter note, Mapp shared her appreciation for the television show "The Equalizer” for its focus on strong black women leads and legal themes.
Darnell encouraged Mapp to continue striving for her goals, acknowledging the challenges of running an NGO and supporting Mapp's efforts to help create a better world.