Boardrooms are places of leadership, decision-making, and influence — yet they are also shaped by unspoken power dynamics and dominant cultural norms.

This workshop invites non-profit board members to explore how different types of power show up in board governance and how unacknowledged norms, such as white privilege and colonial legacies, can shape board culture and decision-making. 

Through reflection and dialogue, participants will deepen their understanding of how to recognize, balance, and use power in ways that create belonging. Strategies and practices will be shared to help boards interrupt dominant cultural patterns and create space for diverse voices and perspectives to be included and valued.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

• Recognize different types of power and how power dynamics may appear in boardrooms.

• Deepen understanding of how unspoken dominant cultures (e.g., white privilege, colonialism) shape boards and communities.

• Gain perspective on approaches to balancing and using power in ways that foster diversity and inclusion.

• Identify board practices that interrupt dominant cultural norms and strengthen a sense of belonging.

Suggested Participants

Non-profit board members, Executive Directors/CEOs, or other senior staff who have prior knowledge and experience related to board diversity and inclusion and want to advance that work.​

Note: As this workshop builds on a prior knowledge and experience with board diversity and inclusion, intermediate knowledge and experience related to these topics is highly recommended. We suggest starting with our other board diversity & inclusion workshops: Introduction to Key Concepts and Deepening Foundations and Embedding Actions, or equivalent, prior to enrolling in this workshop.

Workshop Benefits

• A space to be vulnerable and unpack complex terms like White supremacy and systemic racism.
• A unique workshop that sheds light on the nuances between colonization and board power structures.​
• Meet and learn from other non-profit leaders who are on a relatable journey with their board.​