The W.K. Kellogg Foundation, founded in 1930, is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, the foundation works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work, and life.
La June Montgomery Tabron, President and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
In the quest for equitable workplaces, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WK Kellogg) has emerged as a trailblazer, leading the charge in fostering an anti-racist environment. Under the guidance of La June Montgomery Tabron, the President and CEO, WK Kellogg has embraced anti-racism as a core principle for well over a decade.
I had the opportunity to discuss this as well as their innovative leadership model, their Racial Equity 2030 initiative, and more on an episode of The Business of Giving podcast.
Catalyst for Change
In 2007, WK Kellogg experienced a transformative “anti-racist shift,” propelling the foundation towards an enduring commitment to dismantling systemic racism. This pivotal moment marked WK Kellogg’s recognition of the need for profound structural change, and it ignited a relentless pursuit of equity. Since then, the foundation has meticulously examined its policies and practices, ensuring they align with their anti-racist mission. La June Montgomery Tabron emphasizes that WK Kellogg’s dedication to anti-racism has become deeply embedded in the organization’s DNA, fostering a workplace culture driven by equity and justice.
Board Leadership and Active Engagement
The board of WK Kellogg has played a pivotal role in driving the foundation’s antiracist initiatives. Their commitment extends beyond traditional grant-making, as they actively dismantle the systemic barriers perpetuating racial inequities. La June underscores the board’s proactive engagement, highlighting their instrumental role in shaping policies and practices that foster equity and justice. This profound involvement has nurtured a culture of anti-racism within the organization and ensures that decision-making processes align with their unwavering commitment to equity.
Shared Leadership: Empowering Change Agents
WK Kellogg embraces a shared leadership model that values diverse perspectives and empowers individuals at every level of the organization to drive change. La June emphasizes their transition to a network organizational structure, recognizing that leadership arises from various roles and positions. This approach nurtures an environment where employees feel empowered to actively participate in anti-racist initiatives, fostering a culture that acknowledges the collective responsibility of creating equitable outcomes.
Amplifying Impact: Recognizing Partners and Racial Equity 2030
WK Kellogg’s commitment to anti-racism extends beyond its own organization. The foundation celebrates and recognizes organizations dedicated to building equitable communities through prestigious awards and impactful partnerships. Moreover, WK Kellogg has launched the groundbreaking global initiative, Racial Equity 2030, in commemoration of its 90th anniversary. This initiative aims to accelerate the pursuit of racial equity worldwide by providing substantial funding to innovative projects and models addressing racial disparities. Racial Equity 2030 stands as a testament to WK Kellogg’s unwavering commitment to creating lasting change and inspiring communities globally.
WK Kellogg’s remarkable journey towards anti-racism, initiated in 2007, has significantly shaped its workplace culture and organizational practices. Led by a highly engaged board, the foundation actively champions equity and justice, propelling a transformative movement towards anti-racism. Through its shared leadership model, WK Kellogg empowers change agents at all levels, fostering an environment that embraces diverse perspectives and contributions. By recognizing and supporting external organizations committed to equity, the foundation amplifies its impact, inspiring others to join the quest for anti-racist workplaces. Racial Equity 2030 stands as a testament to WK Kellogg’s dedication to driving meaningful change globally, leaving an indelible legacy of equity and justice for generations to come.
Denver Frederick, Host of The Business of Giving serves as a Trusted Advisor and Executive Coach to Nonprofit Leaders. His Book, The Business of Giving: New Best Practices for Nonprofit and Philanthropic Leaders in an Uncertain World, is available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.