Diahann Billings-Burford is the CEO of RISE, a nonprofit organization aimed at leveraging the unifying potential of sports to combat racism and promote social justice. Her career has been marked by significant contributions to diverse communities through various senior roles in both public and private sectors. At Time Warner, as Executive Director of cultural investments and Vice President of the Time Warner Foundation, she led initiatives focused on college internships, employee community engagement, and community investments in New York City, alongside managing the foundation’s grant-making and operations.
Previously, as New York City’s Chief Service Officer, Diahann spearheaded NYC Service, mobilizing over 1.3 million New Yorkers in volunteer activities to address the city’s critical needs. Her extensive background also includes positions with City Year New York, Achievement First, Prep for Prep, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. Diahann actively contributes to the community through her board roles with buildOn, Philanthropy New York, the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, Strava, and Success Academy, reflecting her deep commitment to service and philanthropy.
Here’s a Glimpse of What You’ll Learn:
- [0:44] Introduction and casual chat with Diahann Billings-Burford, CEO of RISE.
- [5:17] Background on Diahann’s impressive career and her role as a nationally recognized change agent.
- [12:14] Diahann’s reflection on pivotal moments that shaped her career, including personal loss and finding her purpose in corporate law.
- [21:00] The importance of student-athletes recognizing their skills and advantages beyond the sport.
- [26:10] How Diahann’s career across different sectors has informed her leadership approach at RISE.
- [29:13] Strategies used to mobilize over 1.3 million New Yorkers to volunteer, and lessons learned from leading large-scale initiatives.
- [32:19] The importance of building diverse and inclusive teams, and what it takes to lead them effectively.
- [35:35] How Diahann navigates challenges as a leader and the role of humility and teamwork.
- [37:52] A discussion on stepping aside when not the right messenger and maintaining personal power in leadership.
- [40:30] Diahann’s proudest achievements at RISE, including partnerships with NASCAR and launching new diversity initiatives in sports.
- [45:24] How companies like Under Armour are leading corporate philanthropy and why multi-year deals make a difference.
- [47:28] Diahann’s role on various boards and how she brings unique perspectives to decision-making.
- [50:22] The mentors and individuals who have shaped Diahann’s journey, from her mother to sponsors like Paul Tagliabue.
- [54:09] How her involvement in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has impacted her leadership and community service work.
- [56:31] Diahann’s personal hobbies, including yoga, reading, and the importance of rest for maintaining balance.
- [57:32] Exciting upcoming projects for RISE in 2024, including completing their transition to a public charity and engaging more Americans in civic engagement initiatives.
In This Episode…
In a society striving for justice and equality, how is the sports industry taking innovative steps to make a difference?
According to Diahann Billings-Burford, the answer involves strategic engagement and meaningful partnerships across various sectors. Diahann highlights her journey through diverse roles — from government to non-profit leadership — culminating in her role at RISE, where she focuses on leveraging sports to address racial inequalities and foster a culture of inclusion. She emphasizes the importance of creating platforms for dialogue, education, and action that engage all stakeholders, including athletes, executives, and fans, to drive societal change.
In this episode of the WRK & WIN podcast, Corinne Milien talks with Diahann Billings-Burford, CEO of RISE, about mobilizing communities and athletes for change. They discuss strategies for engaging diverse groups in social justice efforts, the role of leadership in fostering inclusion, and the impact of civic engagement initiatives in promoting racial equity.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
- Corinne Milien on LinkedIn
- WRK
- Diahann Billings-Burford on LinkedIn
- RISE
- “Balancing Business and Social Change with Romola Ratnam” on the WRK & WIN podcast
- “Championing Authentic DE&I Transformation in Sports and Beyond With Nona Lee” on the WRK & WIN podcast
- Paul Tagliabue
- Prep for Prep
- The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander and Cornel West
- The Water Dancer: A Novel by Ta-Nehisi Coates
- I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
- Hillbilly Elegy
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is brought to you by WRK.
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