Communicating The Hard Truths with Najma Roberts

On this week’s show, we are thrilled to introduce you to Najma Roberts, Senior Director of Communications and Equity at Democracy Fund, a private foundation that champions the people and organizations who defend democracy, while challenging our political system to be more open and just. Najma joined the organization in 2018 and ever since, she’s been guiding this powerhouse philanthropy to be even more intentional and direct in its own commitments to justice and equity, while helping advance the organization’s mission and vision. But Najma brings more to the conversation than just her last several years. She’s well aware of the responsibility that a communicator has to speak truth to power, with love.  Having worked with her now for more than 10 years, I can say honestly that leading with love is one of her greatest strengths.In every stage of her career, Najma has been strong advocate for communications and the role that communicators play in how organizations demonstrate collective values, commitment to equity and justice. She is an expert when it comes to engaging institutional leaders, created trusted and open spaces, and challenging the status quo in favor of fresh thinking. And this week on Mission Forward, she’s going to help the rest of us do the same. We’re honored to welcome her to the show. (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward (02:02) - Introducing Najma Roberts (04:41) - Meanwhile... at Democracy Fund (06:22) - How do we demonstrate our values? (11:37) - At the intersection of communications and power (15:22) - Equity (24:22) - Looking Forward