We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nichol Whiteman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nichol, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My parents served as role models who instilled the values of dedication and resilience. Having migrated to this country from Jamaica, they navigated an extra layer of challenges as they acclimated to a new way of life. In addition to working to provide for our family, my parents constantly reminded us that we could do anything that we could conceive if we were willing to do the work and sacrifice. As I reflect on my work ethic, my parents undoubtedly paved the way. Through long hours and the traditional responsibilities that parents endured, they still managed to show up for my siblings and me no matter what. When challenges arise in my professional life, I think about the endless sacrifices that my parents made to pave the way for their children to achieve their wildest dreams. As the CEO of the official charity of one of the most recognizable sports franchises in the world, I cannot possibly thank my parents enough for serving as the blueprint.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As the CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, I am so proud to lead a team that bravely tackles the most pressing problems that face Los Angeles with a mission to improve education, health care, homelessness, and social justice for all Angelenos.
Each year that I lead this amazing organization is special. However, this year is extra special as we celebrate 10 years reimagined. We have an incredible 10-year history that represents passion and imagination by passionate leaders. In 2012, a group of investors led by Mark Walter, purchased the Los Angeles Dodgers with ambitions that were bigger than baseball. It was a vision for a stronger city that families deserve.
With laser precision, the Dodgers Foundation was reimagined in 2013 and evolved from a small nonprofit to a philanthropic leader in Los Angeles and beyond. During the last ten years, we have worked tirelessly to serve Angelenos. We have invested more than $53 million dollars in programs and grants to local organizations impacting more than 9.8 million youth and 250 unique nonprofits. With a focus on community infrastructure, sports-based youth development, equity-focused grantmaking, leadership, and capacity building, we designed this work to endure.
Our model is replicable and prioritizes knowledge sharing and convening. As I think about 10 years reimagined, our accomplishments warrant a celebration. But there is so much more work to do. 1 in 4 Angelenos do not know where their next meal is coming from. 1 in 4 children live in poverty. Over 69,000 Angelenos experience homelessness. 80% of kids are not getting the physical activity they need to stay healthy. With these startling statistics in mind, we strategized and we have taken action by distributing 9.2 million meals, investing over $3 million in homelessness prevention and unhoused Angelenos, awarding over $3.5 million in education scholarships, and infusing $1.3 million into the fight for social justice.
We have also provided over $7 million dollars in equipment and uniforms so youth can play free baseball and softball. Because of our commitment, more than 1.6 million youth and adults now have access to safe spaces in their neighborhoods because of our work.
We bridge the gap and improve quality of life, confidence, and possibilities so that everyone regardless of ZIP code has the opportunity to thrive. Bringing us closer to a more vibrant and inclusive Los Angeles, we have raised $90 million since 2013 and we are on track to reaching $100 million total this year. Over the past few years, the punches have come our way and I am honored to lead an organization full of advocates who never, ever waver in their dedication to a stronger Los Angeles.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Compassionate Leadership
As a leader, it is my responsibility to set the tone and serve as an example of the type of excellence that our communities deserve. While I always look for ways to mentor my team and bring out their very best, I also make it a priority for them to focus on their health, wellness, and family. If you feel healthy and appreciated, and know that your family is taken care of, then you are able to rise to the challenge and help the organization achieve our mission.
Mentorship
I make it a point to mentor colleagues and future leaders. When you take the time to give back, you hone your own skills and are inspired to set new professional goals. I also seek mentorship from incredible leaders across diverse industries. I always remind myself that there is always time to share knowledge and always time to receive knowledge.
Perseverance
As I reflect on my career, I’m humbled and grateful for all that I have achieved. My journey has not been absent of fear. Of course, there have been times when I have faced uncertainty but my superpower is I push through the fear. I arm myself with the tools and teammates to navigate the toughest waters.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents equipped me with the notion that regardless of where I am on the planet—whether I’m the only Black person, the only woman, the only first generation college student—that my contributions matter. I matter.
Contact Info:
- Website: Dodgers.com/LADF
- Instagram: @CEOnichol
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichol-t-whiteman-911a80a/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/NicholWhiteman
Image Credits
Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation / Jon SooHoo Photography
