November 15th marks the annual recognition of National Philanthropy Day, where people around the world come together to honor those on the front lines of social movements and those who are supporting social movements through giving. Each year, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Golden Gate Chapter marks this day to celebrate the spirit of giving by recognizing exemplars in philanthropy and social change, and this year, Akonadi Foundation was awarded the Outstanding Foundation Award. Quinn Delaney, Akonadi Board Chair and President Emerituss accepted the award on behalf of the Foundation:
‘This is a team effort, it is the entire Foundation that is being recognized. So I would like all of the Foundation staff to please stand. I would like to introduce all of them. We are a small and mighty group. Iris Garcia, Lucy Aghadjian, Renee Geesler, Sheena Johnson, Gina Acebo, and our new President of Akonadi Foundation, Lateefah Simon. And I would also like to thank my fellow board member, someone who has been there from the very beginning and helped shape the Foundation, my partner in love and life, Wayne Jordan. And a big thank you to AFP, this is really quite an honor. I don’t know how often an organization like Akonadi, which is deeply rooted in disruption of the status quo, gets to receive this kind of recognition, but we are deeply appreciative.
People have been fighting for centuries to create a racially just world. Akonadi has been doing it for 17 years. I am under no illusion that our small family foundation is going to solve this problem. But I do think it’s important to take a stand and fight for a better racial justice future. I hope Akonadi can pave a road for others to follow. A road where we step aside and embrace new leaders of color to step in. A road where we change the national discourse to one of respect and dignity for everybody. A road where we try every single day to create equity around us. So I invite all of you to join us in working for a vision of a racially just future in whatever way makes sense for you and your organization. This is a vision that will benefit us all as we co-create a harmonious world. I can’t thank you enough for this honor, everyone at Akonadi are so appreciative and humbled by this recognition. Thank you.”
– Quinn Delaney
See Quinn Delaney’s Featured Video Here
Akonadi Staff and Allies from Left to Right: Iris Garcia, Renee Geesler, Sheena Johnson, Lucy Aghadjian, Lateefah Simon, Quinn Delaney, Wayne Jordan, Gina Acebo, Beth Rosales, & Judy Patrick
