Sheena Solomon — The Power of Proximity

The Gifford Foundation is small, but its dedication to listening gives it a very big presence in Syracuse, New York. Executive Director Sheena Solomon sees listening to community members and building trust as a mindset; she calls it "Proximity." Proximity empowers Sheena and her staff to be better at the capacity building work they specialize in. Sheena wants to know what nonprofits' real needs are, and she wants to hear directly from diverse community members. Learn how Proximity helps the Gifford Foundation not just pursue Equity, but embody Equity in all its work. 

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Bio: Sheena Solomon is Executive Director of the Gifford Foundation in Syracuse, New York. She has been instrumental in the design and planning of Nourishing Tomorrow’s Leaders, a leadership development training that focuses on increasing the diversity and inclusiveness of nonprofit boards. Sheena is passionate about fostering growth in others. Sheena also serves on local and national boards such as You Can’t Fail Inc, the Syracuse Economic Development Corporation, and The Near Westside Initiative. In her role as Executive Director she remains fully committed and engaged in racial justice and equity work.