SHINING A LIGHT ON ALICIA OLIVER

We recently sat down with Greater New Orleans Funders Network 's new Executive Director, Alicia Oliver to chat about leading with love, legacy, and what she is currently immersing herself in. Enjoy!

FFL: In a world where empathy and compassion are key, how do you envision embodying the philosophy of ‘leading with love’ to inspire change to make a heartfelt impact within the communities that you serve??

A.O.: “Friday's child is loving and giving.” I was born on a Friday, so perhaps that is why empathy and compassion are prominent characteristics in my disposition and my work with and on behalf of others. Leading with love means respecting people and their unique gifts and strengths. It means leaving space and providing guidance and support in a way that acknowledges the recipient’s agency, voice, and experience. It means navigating challenging conversations and situations honestly and sincerely wanting to be and do better together. Sometimes, it means going along to be able to move along, especially on the path toward equity and justice.??

What I love, what brings me joy, is working with others to achieve and continuously become and bring our best selves and do our best work with a personal and community-wide purpose.? What I offer to inspire the best outcomes is my life’s lessons and leadership experiences, an understanding that we all have something to offer and that we can’t do everything by ourselves, and an open invitation for others to join me.??

FFL: As you step into this new leadership role, dreaming of a better tomorrow, what visionary strategies do you plan to introduce to ensure the organization not only thrives today but also evolves to meet the unforeseen challenges and hopes of the future??

A.O.: As I step into this new leadership role, my vision for the Greater New Orleans Funders Network (GNOFN) is rooted in not only securing its current success but also transforming it into a dynamic and adaptive force—one characterized by shared leadership, continuous learning, decisive action, and influential impact. In the face of uncertainties, I believe that by adhering to our core intentions with transparency and accountability within an agile framework, we can effectively navigate challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.??

Nurturing and fostering values-aligned philanthropic relationships is also paramount to our success. By building strong connections with those who share our values and vision, we amplify GNOFN’s impact and create a network of support that extends beyond our immediate reach. Additionally, strategic community partnerships will be instrumental in operationalizing GNOFN’s bold strategic vision. Through collaboration, we will strengthen the collective ability of GNOFN to be poised not only to thrive today but to support the network towards a future where it plays a pivotal role in creating a more just, equitable, and resilient Greater New Orleans region.?

FFL: Philanthropy is often about crafting a story that lasts. In your journey of making a difference, what legacy do you dream of creating, and how will you weave this narrative into the enduring fabric of impact??

A.O.: I love New Orleans. My choice to live and work here stems from that love. I dream of an equity-centered New Orleans (and according to my mentor and friend, Linetta Gilbert, equity is synonymous with excellence). My legacy will be rooted in the radical transformation of the lives and communities that undeservingly endure vulnerable circumstances today due to imposed systemic inequities and injustices. The impact of philanthropic investments in the region will go beyond traditional approaches and nudge towards more trust-based investments that affirm the inherent power of those lives and communities to lay foundations where current residents and future generations, especially the children, can truly thrive.??

FFL: ?What are you reading??

A.O.:?

• Portraits of Us: A Book of Essays Centering Black Women Leading Philanthropy Edited by Toya Nash Randall
• The Gumbo Coalition:? 10 Leadership Lessons That Help You Inspire, Unite, and Achieve by Marc Morial?
• ?Darius Daniels: Game On! By Caroline Brewer

FFL: What are you listening to?

A.O.:?

• Radical Imagination: Remaining Vigilant for Clean Water
• NPR's Hidden Brain
• My New Orleans Childhood - Playlist curated by Kai Chieh Daniel Chung while studying music in New Orleans

For more information on Alicia Oliver and GNOFN, please visit https://gnofundersnetwork.org.