EGF and the Black Gotham Experience

EGF staff and colleagues had the opportunity to connect with Kamau Ware, creator of the Black Gotham Experience (BGX)—an immersive exploration of New York City’s overlooked Black history and the enduring influence of the African Diaspora, tracing back to Manhattan’s colonial beginnings and extending through the 19th century.

As we walked and talked with Kamau, we were drawn into his powerful storytelling—where history came alive through vivid narratives, insightful commentary, and evocative visual art. Founded in 2010, BGX stands as a dynamic initiative that reclaims and re-centers the stories of Black New Yorkers, past and present.

Our guided walking tour, Sarah’s Fire, offered a moving journey into the city’s layered cultural heritage. It also showcased a compelling model of how narrative—when wielded with purpose—can educate, connect communities, and inspire.

From left to right:

Nana Tam, CFO, EGF

Kamau Ware, Founder, Black Gotham Experience

AiLun Ku, VP, EGF

Dana Luria, CEO, Out of Office Consulting

Erica Hamilton, EGF Leader-in-Residence and CEO, Memo I Never Got

Cindy Rivera Weissblum, CEO, EGF

Francisco Tezen, EGF Leader-in-Residence and CEO, A Better Chance

Learn More

Play to Learn

The EGF Leadership Learning Series for Middle Managers culminated in a LEGO^® SERIOUS PLAY^® (LSP) workshop. LSP is a multi-modal method that engages learners in critical thinking, reflection, and dialogue through play.

Participating leaders constructed individual models that captured their leadership identities and showed us their aspirations in the future.

At the end of the workshop, leaders built models that answered the question, "How would you like EGF and this community to continue supporting you after today?" They named the following priorities:

Community and connection
Knowledge sharing and learning
Bridge building to support others and collaboration
Individual and collective growth and empowerment

Special thanks to our partners at Philanthropy New York for providing us with a gorgeous and comfortable space to conduct this series.

Resources and Inspiration from our Leaders-in-Residence

In each Newsletter, EGF Leaders-in-Residence will highlight resources or articles that resonate with them. This month, Francisco brings our attention to the importance of investing in employee wellness and Millie invites us to reflect and center ourselves and our leadership in these unstable times.

This article by the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, 11 Trends in Philanthropy in 2025: The Nonprofit Workforce is in Crisis, underscores that investing in employee wellbeing is no longer optional but mission-critical, offering data, resources for frameworks, and examples that nonprofit leaders can use to build a sustainable, more resilient workforce.

-Francisco Tezén

Margaret Wheatley's question: "Who do you choose to be?" had a profound impact on me when I first read this piece many years ago, and it's a question I still ask myself on a near-daily basis. It centers me, steadies me, and puts me in a forward motion even on those days when the world feels so overwhelming.

-Millie Hau

EGF at the Exalt Youth Gala -- Innovating for Impact

It was my great pleasure to attend the Exalt Gala and honor the young people and staff of this outstanding organization. Gisele Castro’s inspirational leadership and the entire Exalt Team’s deep commitment to excellence and service are the force that propels young people to self-discovery, strength, and the future. Thank you to Vanessa Rivera, Associate Director, Solon E. Summerfield Foundation for joining us in support of Exalt. Congratulations and gratitude to Exalt CEO, Dr. Gisele Castro and Board Chair, Dr. Lisette Nieves.

-Cynthia Rivera Weissblum, CEO, EGF

Learn More