Member Spotlight: Alicia Meeks-Hunter
What is your industry or area of expertise?
I work in philanthropy, providing executive support and assistance.
Why do you believe in the mission of BlackFemaleProject?
I believe in the mission because it’s true, and it encompasses a space for everybody. I think for me personally there have been moments in meetings where I don't feel comfortable speaking up, but I know that what other people are speaking into the space is true and resonates with me. Being present together is key, and I think that’s something that BlackFemaleProject has created. You feel welcomed, even if you don’t feel like you have something to contribute right away. Also, even if you don’t want to speak, Precious is good at drawing it out of people. :-)
What brought you to BlackFemaleProject?
I met Precious in New York in 2014 at a backyard party in Brooklyn. She was telling me about this project she was starting and invited me to a focus group. So we met in Bryant park—me, Precious, and two of my friends—and talked about experiences of women of color in corporate America. At that time, she was gathering input, debating what form BlackFemaleProject should take, and she thought it would be a book. We encouraged her to make it a larger ongoing project so that we could continue to support not only ourselves but also the younger generations coming up.
How has BlackFemaleProject impacted you personally?
When BlackFemaleProject initially started, I wasn't working at a majority Black organization, and it definitely resonated with me. I was like, ‘Yes! I need to talk about this not only in the workplace but also in schools.’ I had never had the experience of being validated. And all of a sudden there was a place for women of color to come and not only talk about their experiences but also be in a space with people who look like you and you can be held acknowledged.
What motivated you to join the board of BlackFemaleProject?
I was advising before Precious created the board, so initially I was working closely on the financial side of things and looking at other opportunities that could get BlackFemaleProject in the door with other organizations in the Bay Area. I wanted to help with strategic planning and things like that.
What BlackFemaleProject content or offering have you found most resonant?
The focus groups in the beginning—the coming together in community definitely resonated with me, and having that space for focus groups with other women. Also I love the podcast! I love being able to hear the stories of the other women that I know from BlackFemaleProject.
Bio:
Alicia is the Senior Executive Assistant for the U.S. Jewish Portfolio at Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies. Alicia supports the Co-President, Senior Director of US Jewish Grantmaking, Interim Director of Schusterman Fellowship and the Chief Talent Officer. Prior to joining Schusterman, Alicia served as the Director of the Executive Office at Color Of Change where she provided high-level executive support to the president and managed the day-to-day operations for the office, serving as the primary contact for all internal and external requests. Prior to joining Color Of Change in 2015, Alicia served as Senior Administrative Coordinator to the national CEO at Girl Scouts of the USA and supported President Lee Bollinger as part of his executive support team in the Office of the President at Columbia University.
Alicia has over 17 years of experience working in the nonprofit, higher education and financial sectors, and has also held extensive roles at the YMCA of San Francisco, investment consulting firm Callan Associates, Bank of America and Meals on Wheels of San Francisco. Alicia holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of San Francisco and an MBA from Walden University.
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