Forty Five Days
It is hard to believe that a little more than a month has passed since I stepped into the role of Executive Director of Diversity Richmond. In some ways, it feels like I just arrived. In others, it feels like we have already traveled quite a distance.
My first month has been intentionally focused inward.
I have spent time listening to our team, learning our operations, understanding our programs, examining how we steward our resources, engaging with our Board, and asking a lot of questions about how all the pieces of Diversity Richmond connect. We have been strengthening systems, creating greater clarity, and laying some important groundwork for the future.
That work may not always be visible from the outside, but it matters. Strong organizations are built from the inside out.
And now, I am ready to turn more of my attention outward.
Over the coming months, I want to spend significantly more time with you — our community members, partners, donors, volunteers, advocates, and neighbors. I want to hear what you believe Diversity Richmond does well, where you believe we can grow, what our community needs from us today, and what role you believe we should play in Greater Richmond's future.
Because something has become increasingly clear to me during these first 45 days: Diversity Richmond is more than a building, a thrift store, a gallery, a festival, or a collection of programs.
We are all of those things — connected by one mission.
You’ll begin hearing us talk more about that idea soon:
One Mission. Many Doors.
I won’t give it all away just yet. But I will say this: whether someone first encounters us through Diversity Thrift, Virginia Pride, Iridian Gallery, a community program, a resource, an event, or simply by walking through our doors looking for connection, they should discover an organization working together to serve and strengthen our LGBTQ+ community.
And there are some wonderful opportunities ahead to experience that mission in action.
PrideFest returns September 12, bringing our community together for one of Richmond's biggest celebrations of LGBTQ+ pride, visibility, and belonging.
Then, on November 6, Diversity Celebrates will bring us together again — this time to celebrate community, recognize impact, strengthen relationships, and invest in the work ahead.
I hope to see you at both.
But I don’t want to wait for an event to meet you.
If we haven’t connected yet, I invite you to reach out to me at ed@diversityrichmond.org and schedule some time with me. Tell me what you’re thinking. Tell me what you need. Tell me what you hope Diversity Richmond can become. My door — and my inbox — are open.
And if you believe in the work we are building together, I hope you’ll consider becoming a monthly donor. Consistent giving, at any amount, gives us the stability to plan boldly, respond to community needs, and sustain this work throughout the year. Become a monthly supporter of Diversity Richmond.
Thirty-six days in, I am proud of the foundation we are building.
But I am even more excited about what happens next — when we build it with you.
One Mission. Many Doors.
