Hull Fellows Highlight: Sarah McBroom
Sarah McBroom holds a title showing up with increasing frequency across Southern philanthropy: equity officer.
In that role, she provides leadership for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation’s efforts to pursue economic, educational, social, ethnic, and racial equity for everyone in Arkansas. But to help others effectively, Sarah knew she needed to develop herself as well – thankfully, she knew exactly where to go: SECF’s Hull Fellows program.
“I was excited about the opportunity to connect with leaders across the southeastern states to build relationships in the hopes of building a better future,” she said. “I am passionate about building an inclusive, prosperous, and equitable American South. I believe philanthropy has a powerful role to play in that movement, but it will require us to learn, grow, and reimagine together as a sector.”
Sarah’s learning journey over the past year has been aided by her Hull mentor: Christine Reeves Strigaro, executive director of The Sapelo Foundation. Both have brought to their jobs a significant focus on equity, particularly in rural communities.
“Our organizations have similar missions and values, and I have benefitted from learning more about their approach,” Sarah said. “Additionally, Christine is an incredible leader, human and mom, so I have benefitted from connecting with her on an individual level.”
Given the events of the past year, Sarah’s role, and her work, has only taken on greater importance.
“The pandemic and calls for racial justice have provided a new window to accelerate narrative and systems change and build a movement for a more equitable future,” she said. “Equity is core to our mission, and we knew achieving our mission would require a narrative shift in the way we think of each other and the systems of which we are all a part.”
Sarah said she hopes her Hull classmates will be able to join her in this important work in the years ahead.
“I have gained peers and thought-partners with a wealth of diverse experiences, perspectives, and context and a shared commitment to the Southeast,” she said. “I would love to ideate, test, and advocate together and look forward to those opportunities with my Hull Fellow peers in the years to come.”
