Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Dr Froswa’ Booker-Drew & the R2 Foundation Is Helping To Change Our World
Relationships are critical. Communities are not monolithic just as people are not. Media often informs so much of what we believe. Assumptions are dangerous. Leave your preconceived notions or what you’ve watched on tv at home. Often, our beliefs about challenged areas create more barriers. Take the time to build relationships. If everyone in your network looks, lives, and thinks like you, you are in trouble. You have a limited view of the world. Changing our communities begins with changing who we are. Commit to diversifying your network not to check a box but to really challenge the way you see yourself and those in your community.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew.
Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the President and CEO of Soulstice Consultancy and is also the Founder of the Reconciliation and Restoration Foundation. Dr. Booker-Drew is an author of 4 books, an international speaker, thought leader and coach on subjects such as philanthropy, nonprofit management, leadership, social capital and DEIJ. She is an adjunct faculty member at Tulane University and a research affiliate for Antioch University.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path and point in your life?
I have been in nonprofit management for decades. It has been a gift to serve others. My previous position was serving as Vice President of Community Affairs at the State Fair of Texas. For six years, I was heavily involved in supporting nonprofits in the South Dallas community through grant making, technical assistance, training/events, and convenings. I always wanted a role in philanthropy, and this was a wonderful opportunity to support grassroots organizations. More than 70% of the organizations funded were led by people of color. Research from reports such as Race to Lead demonstrate the dismal support these organizations receive. According to the Association of Black Foundation Executives,1.8 percent of philanthropic dollars go to Black-led organizations. The amount donated to black, female led nonprofits is even smaller (.6%)
I was blessed to be a co-founder of HERitage Giving Circle with both Akilah Wallace (founder) and Dr. Halima Francis (co-founder). This was an opportunity to work with so many amazing Black women who pooled their brilliance and finances to support Black led female nonprofits in the Dallas area. Since 2017, more than $100,000 has been donated to organizations in the DFW area.
Both of these experiences (along with decades in the nonprofit field) served as a catalyst to start the Reconciliation and Restoration Foundation. The Reconciliation and Restoration Foundation was established in 2022 with a group of mentors, colleagues and friends in supporting the growth of Black-led nonprofit organizations. The goal is to change the narrative of philanthropy from ‘resourcing’ to holistic support that offers reconciliation and restoration. By brokering funding and capacity-building and wellness services, our leadership will directly support organizations toward long-term sustainability and social equity in Texas initially, with the plans for regional expansion to the Pacific Northwest, Deep South, and the East Coast over the next three years. We’ve hosted several virtual events that have brought in speakers and audiences from across the United States.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
I think the most interesting thing that has happened has been the outreach from not only the Black community but other communities who see the need and want to offer encouragement and support. Although I’m not new to this space, this organization is so new and the emails and calls expressing love as well as the need has been a reminder of why this work is so important. I receive emails often from organizations that need help — they are doing great work with little resources or infrastructure. To offer guidance or direct them to others that can build their capacity so they can serve those they work with better and ultimately impact the lives of even more is inspiring.
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
In addition to the nonprofit, I have a consulting business that offers philanthropic advice, community engagement strategies and leadership development to companies along with other services. I love the ability to inform and impact the way organizations work. Working with companies to think about how their dollars can be used to impact marginalized communities and organizations brings me joy. So often, companies are well-intended but don’t think about the impact of their decisions. It’s so easy to only target the usual suspects and as a result, grassroots and mid-sized organizations are not considered. It’s in my DNA to be a connector and so much of what I do is to bring so many different types of people and organizations together to evaluate the possibilities for true community transformation. I help companies think strategically about programming, partnerships and processes that make a difference by centering the communities served. I often serve as a partnership broker for the nonprofits I work with as well — by connecting them to resources and funders can be a gamechanger for impact and long-term sustainability.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
There are several that come to mind. Recently because of relationships, several nonprofits I work with and mentor have received significant funding from foundations in the area. One of the companies I work with implemented a workforce program that not only builds the capacity of individuals through training and employment for residents of a challenged area but also is building the capacity of those wrap around service providers that are involved. I find myself with tears in my eyes as I witness graduates receive a national certification and move on to livable wage jobs because of this collaboration that offers comprehensive support. There are so many more stories but in sharing these two, it is a reminder of the wins and I’m excited about what can be accomplished in 2023.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Policy matters. I think a lot of what we are experiencing is the direct correlation of policy that often does not consider the impact So often, politicians make decisions in isolation without really talking to or considering the impact on those who are most affected. I’ve learned in my work that listening is critical. If we want to change the outcomes that we see in many communities that have not received the investment they deserve, ask the people. They can tell you what works and what they need. Politicians need to be held accountable and it’s more than voting. It’s writing letters, arranging meetings with them or their staff or attending events to share your feelings.
You can be a philanthropist. It doesn’t require significant wealth to give. Giving isn’t always money either. We can give our time, talent, treasure, and testimony to causes that are important to us. It’s important to learn a community and listen. Research community organizations and instead of trying to tell them what you think is important, listen, build relationships and learn.
Relationships are critical. Communities are not monolithic just as people are not. Media often informs so much of what we believe. Assumptions are dangerous. Leave your preconceived notions or what you’ve watched on tv at home. Often, our beliefs about challenged areas create more barriers. Take the time to build relationships. If everyone in your network looks, lives, and thinks like you, you are in trouble. You have a limited view of the world. Changing our communities begins with changing who we are. Commit to diversifying your network not to check a box but to really challenge the way you see yourself and those in your community.
Are you working on any new or exciting projects now? How do you think this might help people? Although we haven’t started raising funds for the Reconciliation and Restoration Foundation (r2fdn.org), we are in the process of working with sponsors to share more about philanthropy starting this summer. In addition, there will be several upcoming events that I’m speaking at to discuss my book, “Empowering Charity: A New Narrative of Philanthropy”. My goal is to help others think differently about communities of color and giving.
What you are doing is not easy. What inspires you to keep moving forward?
There are so many reasons to keep moving forward. The nonprofits that I continue to support through my work are a constant reminder of the need. I hope that my involvement can help them continue to do the great work they offer daily. I am inspired by the companies I work with. They are really committed to making a difference and I’m glad to play a role to make communities stronger and healthier. I’m inspired by my daughter who just graduated from college. I hope that I can leave the world a bit better for her, her friends, and generations to come.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.
I don’t have five things off the top of my head right now, but I have one that’s very important: Rest. There is a narrative in our society that we can rest when we die. If you work all the time, you’ll make that happen sooner. It’s a lot of work being an entrepreneur, a founder of a nonprofit and being involved in many community programs, but in order to be effective, it’s important to know when to step back to rest and rejuvenate. Early in my career, I didn’t do this well and I learned a lesson about burning the candle at both ends. I was sick often because my immune system was compromised. There will be times that the workload will be crazy, but you must schedule time for rest, relaxation and fun. And don’t forget to surround yourself with good people who not only cheer you on and encourage you but hold you accountable.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
That’s what I’m hoping the R2 Foundation is… a movement to support Black-led nonprofits.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
If you email me, the quote in my signature line states: “If you want one year of prosperity, grow grain. If you want ten years of prosperity, grow trees. If you want one hundred years of prosperity, grow people.” This is one of my favorite quotes. I hope that we all choose to invest in people. I have been to so many funerals and I’ve never heard people remember the deceased by how much money they made or their titles — -it’s always about how that person made them feel or their impact. More of us need to live a life that we will be remembered by for our goodness and desire to make others around us know their greatness.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Please tag Oprah Winfrey, Brene Brown, or Darren Walker of the Ford Foundation. LOL!
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Please follow me on LinkedIn or Instagram; Visit drfroswabooker.com or r2fdn.org.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
About The Interviewer: Maria Angelova, MBA is a disruptor, author, motivational speaker, body-mind expert, Pilates teacher, and founder and CEO of Rebellious Intl. As a disruptor, Maria is on a mission to change the face of the wellness industry by shifting the self-care mindset for consumers and providers alike. As a mind-body coach, Maria’s superpower is alignment which helps clients create a strong body and a calm mind so they can live a life of freedom, happiness, and fulfillment. Prior to founding Rebellious Intl, Maria was a Finance Director and a professional with 17+ years of progressive corporate experience in the Telecommunications, Finance, and Insurance industries. Born in Bulgaria, Maria moved to the United States in 1992. She graduated summa cum laude from both Georgia State University (MBA, Finance) and the University of Georgia (BBA, Finance). Maria’s favorite job is being a mom. Maria enjoys learning, coaching, creating authentic connections, working out, Latin dancing, traveling, and spending time with her tribe. To contact Maria, email her at angelova@rebellious-intl.com. To schedule a free consultation, click here.
Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Dr Froswa’ Booker-Drew & the R2 Foundation Is Helping To Change Our… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.