Powerful Practices: How Latinas Can Succeed on Boards

Congratulations on your invitation to serve on a corporate or nonprofit board! Here are five essential behaviors for you to keep in mind as you begin your appointment as a member of a charitable board of trustees or board of directors:

1. Listen and learn.

As a newcomer, your first step should be to absorb the culture and dynamics of the board to which you've been elected. Spend the first meeting or two listening to your fellow board members discuss the issues. Ask a question or two if you are genuinely perplexed by the conversation, but for the most part, get a feel for how discussions proceed and how the more experienced board members interact. Avoid jumping in with all the answers--it's a good bet, as a newcomer, you may not know the background on a given question, so it's best to get some experience under your belt before diving into a debate.

2. Be informed.

When you are sent materials in advance of a meeting, read them carefully. Make notes of any questions you might have so that you can ask them at the appropriate moment--and don't be afraid to speak up. Your fresh perspective is important. Pay particular attention to any financial or budgetary documents, because good fiscal health and responsibility is critical to the success of your organization. As a board member, your number one responsibility is ensuring that good health. Learn how to read financial statements, 990's, and know which numbers and ratios are the most telling.

3. Be generous.

As a board member or board trustee of a nonprofit, you will be expected to contribute to the organization annually, support its fundraising efforts, and consider making a long-term commitment to give regularly. Your generosity is important, but you don't need to be wealthy to serve on a board. If you feel unable to make a significant annual gift, it may not be the right time to accept an invitation to join. Remember that "significant" is relative, and your overall giving should be the most substantial amount possible within your means and other financial obligations.

As a member of a corporate board, you will be expected to utilize your time and professional skills to help drive the company's strategic objectives forward. Your specialized expertise in areas such as law, real estate, human resources, or operations can be a valuable resource to the company, and you will be given the opportunity to volunteer your time and knowledge to assist the organization in achieving its goals.

4. Be visible.

It goes without saying that you should attend all board and committee meetings and participate in all conference calls. You should also make an effort to attend social activities the organization hosts to raise funds or friends. Your presence at such events signifies your support of the organization and encourages others to support it, too. Your financial support of such events directly helps your cause. You joined the board because you wanted to advance your cause. You do this every time you just show up.

5. Share your passion.

As a board member, you have a special platform to talk about your cause and draw others to it. Consider yourself an ambassador for your organization: talk about it knowledgeably, affectionately--and often. As you make new friends for the charity, you never know which one of them will turn out to be the angel it's been wishing for.

The truth is, if you follow these five steps, you could be that great board member the organization needs. As a Latina, you bring a unique perspective and voice to the table, and your contribution is essential to advancing the mission of the organization.

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Copyright February 14, 2023 by Rafael Maga?a & Kimberly Bernard-Maga?a. Contact for usage license.

Rafael Maga?a & Kimberly Bernard-Maga?a are founders of?Latino Professionals,?Latina Professionals, &?Latinx Professionals. They resides in California.