Meet the Capital Collaborators: Amelia Cotton Corl + The Opportunity Trust

 

Why did you join the Capital Collaborative?

When I applied to the Capital Collaborative cohort I was hoping to join a career-centered space to build community and find accountability as a White woman working to advance racial equity and justice in all aspects of my life. I wanted a structure that was more than just a 1-2 day training program that provided comprehensive support like coaching, while being flexible/adaptive to busy schedules at our 'day jobs.'

What spurred you to apply for a racial equity/justice learning cohort?

Given the frenetic pace of work, it was really important to me to find a place for multi-month or year-long engagement with the same group of folks, not just dropping in on 'trainings.' I appreciate that this is a learning cohort by design, but there is a high bar of expectation for action. Coaches, speakers, and Capital Collaborative coordinators are pushing for commitments and accountability at every turn.

What session or moment changed one of your beliefs?

The session at our first Summit in Durham, North Carolina where we had a panel of Black and Brown social entrepreneurs reflecting on their engagement with funders who questioned their approach and expertise - forcing them into boxes defined by the funder and discounting their work. I knew this was happening, and have heard this from grantees in the past - but the pervasive and persistent nature of this experience sparked me to think about how we build and institutionalize a different approach in predominantly White institutions.


Capital Collaborative Summit 2 in New Orleans, LA


How do you hope to continue to change and learn?

After our second and final Summit in New Orleans, I am hoping to continue to change and learn by being engaged in the Capital Collaborative alumni network, especially building out a plan for Cohort 3 with other members of my solidarity group. I want to continue to use the professional development resources to direct my time toward building my racial consciousness and capacity for action. This will help keep me accountable and not let me get (fully) consumed by the day-to-day business of my work.


The Capital Collaborative by Camelback Ventures works with White funders and social impact investors who want to deepen their individual and organizational commitment to racial and gender equity in philanthropy — but may not know how. You can learn more about how to get involved by submitting an interest form for the Capital Collaborative’s next cohort or signing up for the newsletter.