Takisha Dozier
Takisha Dozier is a lifelong philanthropist and advocate for education for all.
Takisha was among WOC’s first members and has been inspired by the community that has been created. She has nearly thirteen years of experience in the nonprofit sector working in various capacities, including volunteer management, development and fundraising, family and community engagement and board service. Takisha is currently Community Liaison and Executive Assistant with the Bronx Children’s Museum, which will be the first children’s museum facility in The Bronx, NY!
Takisha is a firm believer that everyone deserves access and opportunity to a quality education along with the tools needed to succeed and thrive in life. She is always willing to participate in advocacy and supports efforts that focus on these basic rights. She feels fortunate to be able to take on these efforts on both a personal and professional level. Takisha is a lifelong learner and loves connecting others to resources and opportunities.
Takisha is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York with degrees in Fashion Buying and Merchandising and Marketing Management. She also received a certificate in Fundraising from NYU School of Professional Studies and has received certificates in Nonprofit Management and regularly participates in professional development opportunities. Takisha believes that the many roads that she has traveled along her journey are all in preparation for the great destination that God has waiting for her.
In Her Own Words
What is your favorite quote?
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
Who is your favorite woman fundraiser or philanthropist of color?
There are some who I could name off the top of my head as well as many who I have yet to discover. However, I’d like to take this opportunity during Black Philanthropy Month to acknowledge and show gratitude to our ancestors, the women who came before us, whose shoulders we stand on, who worked collectively to feed, clothe, educate, and take care of their families, the families of others and communities when there was limited or no support or help from anywhere else, even if it meant risking their own lives in the process. To the women who never had the light shone upon them as they are not who most think of when they think of Philanthropists, but more importantly were the beacons of light for those who needed them when they needed them.
I pay homage to, “Black philanthropy’s roots in African societies as well as to black women’s traditions of collective giving in missionary societies, fraternal orders, national advocacy organizations that benefited black women and families.” ~ Madam C. J. Walker's Gospel of Giving: Black Women's Philanthropy during Jim Crow by Tyrone McKinley Freeman, 2020.
What inspired you to want to establish your own personal philanthropy?
Having the opportunity to see and participate in the meaningful, necessary and impactful work being done among nonprofits, community groups and others inspires me to support their efforts in whatever ways I am able, whether through making connections, networking, partnering, advocating, volunteering or making monetary contributions, to name a few.
My children and my desire to instill a culture of giving also inspired me to establish my own personal philanthropy. I want them to understand that being a Philanthropist is not contingent upon how much money one has, what one looks like, or where one lives. As long as you give of your time, talent, treasure, ties or testimony, you are a Philanthropist.
I’d like to take this opportunity during Black Philanthropy Month to acknowledge and show gratitude to our ancestors, the women who came before us, whose shoulders we stand on, who worked collectively to feed, clothe, educate, and take care of their families, the families of others and communities when there was limited or no support or help from anywhere else, even if it meant risking their own lives in the process.
Where do you want to be in 3 years?
In the next three years, I’d like to work with a foundation or other entity where I can be part of supporting, impacting and investing in people and communities of color on a scale that I may not be able to through my personal philanthropy.
I’d like to expand my own personal philanthropy by joining a group or philanthropic entity that provides opportunities for participatory giving and ultimately establishing one as well. I will be a published author and continue along the path of striving to do God’s will.
Do you have any small pieces of advice for women of color seeking further leadership roles in the non-profit sector?
First, let me say that these small gems are gentle reminders for myself as well.
Understand that philanthropy is achievable by and accessible to all.
If you have time, talent, treasure, testimony or ties to share, you can be a philanthropist.
Find out how you can connect your gifts with someone else’s needs: ask questions, participate in community meetings and events, reach out to local organizations.
Network, watch what others are doing, seek out others who are doing what you are interested in, join professional associations and groups such as WOC, Philanthropy Together, etc.
All of the skills, knowledge, connections and resources that you have acquired along the way, regardless of your work or educational background, can be applied to all that you will do along your journey.
There’s no such thing as starting too small. All of your gifts matter and can make an impact.
