11 Jun HOW DO WE CREATE LGBTQ-INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP? MEET THE MAVENS.

Editor’s Note: The LGBTQ Community Fund is a unique partnership between The Miami Foundation and the National LGBTQ Task Force to improve quality of life for LGBTQ residents in Greater Miami. Maven Leadership Collective is a 2018 grant recipient. The 2019 LGBTQ Community Fund grant cycle is open through July 12th. All 501(c)3 organizations serving Miami-Dade County may apply.

“Unless we get comfortable with being uncomfortable, how will we achieve more inclusive communities and more reflective leadership?” asks Corey Davis, a Miami-based social entrepreneur and longtime community advocate. Enter the Maven Leadership Collective, a 2018 LGBTQ Community Fund grant recipient.

Looking for a way to get more queer and trans people of color and allies into leadership positions, Corey and Daniel Anzueto, an association management professional with board development experience, launched the Maven Leadership Collective in 2017. The goal? “To radically redefine leadership, the spaces we occupy and the impact we have,” Danny says.

Their signature program, Maven Leadership Cohort, supported in-part by an LGBTQ Community Fund grant, takes local queer and trans social entrepreneurs of color on an eight-month journey to develop operational skills, expand professional networks and encourage self-care. In their everyday work, Mavens tackle important civic issues, from climate change, affordable housing and community health to youth homelessness, arts access and education. Throughout the program, Mavens meet monthly and learn from experts and each other. They gain new skills to lead organizations, expand their professional network, travel to out-of-state conferences and participate in wellness activities.

From this emphasis on well-being and self-care came Maven Moves, a free community yoga class for all levels, accompanied by live music. “Maven believes community leadership begins with our own self-care so that we may better serve others,” Corey says. The popular series has taken off; they were recently featured by WLRN’s Nadege Green. “By facilitating more inclusive spaces, welcoming of all who wish to participate, our vision is to develop more resilient leaders and sustainable institutions.”

The next Maven Moves is on Sunday, July 14th at Inhale Miami in Little Haiti. You may RSVP at MavenLeadership.org.

Ana Mantica is editorial officer at The Miami Foundation.

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