The Art of Giving: Exploring Cultural Ideas of Philanthropy

June 8, 2:00 pm ET

What many of us think of as “grantmaking” in our modern, Western context is not how Indigenous cultures and communities of color typically think of “philanthropy.” This program brings together a panel of leaders who will explore concepts around giving in cultures that prioritize the collective as much as, if not more than, the individual. Join this webinar to gain insights into various cultural approaches to philanthropy and how those ideas can enhance your own grantmaking efforts.

While others are welcome to attend, this event is intended for Grantmakers for Education members and their partner organizations.

There is no cost to attend this Grantmakers for Education program. Registration closes 15 minutes prior to the program time. Thank you for your patience; we review each registration in advance.

About the Speakers

Diana Cournoyer
Executive Director
National Indian Education Association

Through her passion and enthusiasm for supporting Native students, Diana has been a key driver in expanding NIEA’s work beyond the halls of the U.S. Capitol to communities across Indian Country. She has helped shaped broader teacher hiring initiatives, created more opportunities for visits to tribal communities, acquired millions in grant funding for NIEA, testified before the U.S. Congress in support of Native education, and inspired professional trust and collaboration among staff, colleagues, organizations and Native nations across the country. Her work has ensured that Native students have the best possible outcomes and educators have the best possible resources to support their efforts. Cournoyer directs the staff in carrying out the organization’s Strategic Plan which includes: Advocacy; Building Tribal Education Capacity; Culture Based Education; Skilled Teachers and Leaders; Establishing Educational Standards, Assessments, and Accountability; and Post-Secondary Success.

Joe Enlet

PhD Student
University of Rhode Island

Former Consul General
Consulate General of the Federated States of Micronesia

Joe Enlet was born and raised in Chuuk, Micronesia and has lived in Portland Oregon for the past 12 years. From 2017 to 2022, Joe was appointed by the FSM President to serve as Consul General for the Federated States of Micronesia at the FSM Consulate General in Portland, OR. He was accredited by the United States as the resident diplomat for Micronesia to the Western United States, covering Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Utah and New Mexico. Previously, Mr. Enlet served as Senior Policy Analyst at the Multnomah County Public Health department in the Health Equity program. He has worked in public health policy as a community organizer and advocate for many years within the Pacific Islander community both locally and nationally. He currently serves as President of COFA Alliance National Network (CANN) which is an organization that advocates for citizens of the FSM, Palau, and the Marshall Islands. He is also active with COFA-CLAN, a national coalition of Micronesian leaders who educate and do consulting work for COFA communities.

Joe has been actively involved in the state-wide advocacy efforts. He was appointed by the President and the Speaker of the Oregon Legislature to serve on the Oregon State Taskforce for addressing racial disparities in homeownership. Joe is a Policy Commissioner for the New Portlander Policy Commission at the City of Portland and was appointed by Oregon Governor Brown to serve as a member of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace Advisory Committee. Recently, he was appointed a member of the Washington State Advisory to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. In 2018 the City of Portland awarded Joe the Emily Gottfried Human Rights Award as an Emerging Leader.

Joe pastors at his church Chuuk Logos Community Church in Vancouver, Washington and in his free time he enjoys playing his guitar and spending time with his wife Rosleen and his two daughters Kielain and Yafa-Lei.

Crystal Gilliam
Director of Philanthropic Programming
4.0

Crystal Gilliam is the Director of Philanthropic Programming at 4.0. In this role she develops, leads, and facilitates programming that empowers self-identified, Black leaders to become the next generation of educational philanthropists. She is a professional educator with over 19 years of experience and commitment to students, families, and communities in Atlanta.

Over the last 19 years, Crystal has worked to ensure that students receive an equitable education, become leaders who will advance justice and equality, and be the change they wish to see in the world. Additionally, Crystal is the co-founder of The Bridge Foundation, which is an educational venture that serves high school students in the Atlanta area, the CFO of Castries Real Estate Investments, and most importantly, a wife and a mother of two beautiful girls.

Crystal hails from beautiful South Carolina, but calls Atlanta home. She is a proud graduate of Winthrop University and Clark Atlanta University, where she was an Imlay Foundation Scholarship Recipient. Crystal believes that if we truly want to see change in the world, it must begin with us. Crystal is passionate about educational equity, democratizing philanthropy, and civic engagement.