As we enter this new year—one ripe with both possibility and precarity—we’re comforted by the promise of partnership. We’re deeply grateful for your trust and continued solidarity, as we move forward in service of A Whole, New World: a world in which we share responsibility for one another; our political, social, and economic systems are representative of and responsive to communities; and we all have access to opportunity, autonomy, and joy. And, as we continue resourcing incredible grassroots partners organizing for our collective liberation, we expect the communities and movements we serve to have the power and resources needed to embody their truth and thrive. We also expect the philanthropic sector to become more equitable and accountable to all of the above. In Borealis Philanthropy’s tenth year of partnering with funders and movement leaders to build a liberatory future, we know resourcing the next decade of justice movements means boldly investing in the leaders, ideas, and infrastructure necessary to co-create our desired future.
Expanding our Ecosystem
2024 was a year focused on expanding our internal ecosystem. We are thrilled to welcome Alvin Starks, Helen Wong, and Sadé Dozan as new additions to Borealis’ Senior Leadership Team. Alvin and Helen will be serving as Vice Presidents of Programs—leading our staff in responsive stewarding of Borealis’ intersectional sibling funds with a unique blend of strategic thinking, grantmaking expertise, leadership skills, and a commitment to intersectional equity, and racial and social justice. As Vice President of Advancement, Sadé will maximize Borealis’ communications and resource acquisition strategies, while broadening our community of active, committed funder partners.
Alvin Starks
Alvin Starks brings decades of expertise in philanthropy, racial equity, and social justice leadership to his role as Vice President of Programs at Borealis. With a career spanning strategic grantmaking, racial justice advocacy, and movement building, Alvin has been a visionary advocate for transformative social change that expands and shapes an inclusive multiracial democracy. His work ensures that philanthropic resources reach the vibrant communities and innovative leaders that are critical towards advancing dignity, belonging, justice and power. His leadership reflects a deep commitment towards advancing equity, movement building, and innovative advocacy that secures freedom and inclusion.
Helen Wong
Helen Wong is a dynamic leader in social justice philanthropy, now serving as Vice President of Programs at Borealis. Helen’s background in federal, private foundation, and intermediary grantmaking provides a nuanced understanding of effective partnership within the broader philanthropic ecosystem. Helen has been instrumental in creating inclusive, healing-informed systems that center the voices of excluded communities. Her work is grounded in a vision of collective responsibility, transformative and durable change, and reparative philanthropy.
Sadé Dozan
Sadé Dozan, a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), is a trailblazer in nonprofit leadership and philanthropy. As a champion of racial and economic justice, she has successfully led initiatives to expand resources for underrepresented and underinvested communities. She brings her skill as well as passion for empowering movements and fostering equity to Borealis’ mission in her role as Vice President of Advancement. Her work centers on using philanthropy as a vehicle for community-led activation and change, with a focus on storytelling and narrative saturation through an organizing lens.
Alvin, Helen, and Sadé join Amoretta Morris, President, and Randall Miller, Ph.D., Vice President of Finance & Administration, to complete Borealis’ Senior Leadership Team. This team brings decades of cross-sector leadership experience laser-focused on ensuring philanthropy fulfills its role in shaping an inclusive, multiracial democracy. And, in partnership with you, our staff, and our board, they are committed to our movements having the resources they need to address the urgent demands of this moment. Together, they’re uniquely positioned to drive the long-term transformation necessary to fulfill Borealis’ mission in an increasingly complex political landscape.
Welcoming these new leaders not only strengthens Borealis’ ability to serve movements for justice, equity, and liberation, it increases Borealis’ impact and ability to advance our vision—to resource a world where shared responsibility, representative systems, and access to opportunity, autonomy, and joy are the foundation of thriving communities.
As we celebrate this pivotal moment in Borealis Philanthropy’s ten year history, we invite you to join us in continued reflection on our shared journey and realizing the transformative possibilities ahead. Throughout this year, we’ll be sharing updates, milestones, and opportunities to continue building and celebrating. Together, let’s make this year a testament to our shared commitment to a whole, new world.