Meet Camelback's 2021 Capital Collaborator: Lindsay Reimers
What drew you to participate in Camelback Ventures’ 2021 Capital Collaborative?
In February 2019, Art Reimers and I were invited to attend a New Inclusive Impact Action Seminar for white and Black funders and social profit enterprise leaders of color. The panels and discussions were disquieting, in a good way. We left the seminar challenged to know more than ’how to write the check’, use ‘the correct language’ and address demographics. We needed to invest in leaders of color and women.
What was one of the highlights of the Capital Collaborative?
The highlight of the Capital Collaborative for me was multifold. I was grateful for the history of white philanthropy. I was grateful for the foundational discussions of white supremacy. I learned to admit, regardless of what I thought I was, that I am a white supremacist by virtue of my white privilege. Capacity support is as important as operational funding. Providing sponsorship is better than providing mentorship. And finally anti-racism is a journey that requires a trusted confidant or support group.
Why do you believe it is important for white people in particular to do anti-racism work?
If you are going to improve anything, you must work at it. Listening is the primary action step.
What is one action you plan to take in the near future to drive racial equity in your role?
We, at Morlind Impact Ventures, are doubling down on supporting leaders of color. We are engaging in pilots and interesting collaborations that allow us to provide funding and capacity support to leadership. Finally, we are only co-investing with impact investors who are committed to racial justice and helping leaders of color build wealth and access.
What is something you’ve learned that you were excited to share with colleagues, friends, and/or family?
Do the work-it’s worth it. Listen without defensiveness—a hard but good place to start. Humility can be learned. Don’t be afraid of discomfort. Learn about our shared history. Build new tools. Healthy change is happening but there is so much more work to be done. Keep your eye on the future, join in building a healthy multiracial social enterprise ecosystem.
“Whether I like it or not, whether you like it or not, we are bound together forever.” - James Baldwin
Camelback Ventures’ Capital Collaborative works with white funders and social impact investors who want to deepen their individual and organizational commitment to racial and gender equity — but may not know how. Our unique approach brings together a community of white accomplices to engage in an introspective and concrete curriculum, to diversify their networks and make their grantmaking processes more equitable. You can learn more and sign up for Camelback Ventures’ next Capital Collaborative here.