Dr. Grace Lubwama

CEO, visionary, proud Kalamazooian & immigrant, navigating life with a mother’s heart and a leader’s vision. 🌟

[Dr. Grace Lubwama @CEOatKZCF]

We were treated to an incredibly special musical performance by Samuel Nalangira and enjoyed a delicious African-inspired meal catered by Clark's Special Kitchen. It was a night of dancing, conversation, and community-building that I won't soon forget!

[Dr. Grace Lubwama @CEOatKZCF]

Recently, I hosted a Celebration of Heritage Dinner with professionals who are part of Kalamazoo’s African diaspora. The dinner was a beautiful celebration of African culture and a reminder of the importance of what it means to build a legacy in this community.

[Dr. Grace Lubwama @CEOatKZCF]

Last week, I had the opportunity to connect with a group of Black female faculty members at Western Michigan University to discuss the philanthropic partnership between our organizations and how we can ensure that everyone has a voice in how we make a positive and lasting impact in our community. The conversation was one of many that I have had the honor of participating in as part of KZCF's new "Love Where You Live Conversations" series. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to an incredibly meaningful and thought-provoking conversation. #LoveWhereYouLive

[Dr. Grace Lubwama @CEOatKZCF]

I had the absolute pleasure of serving as co-chair of the forum's planning committee alongside Randy Royster, President and CEO of the Albuquerque Community Foundation. There were so many great insights to take away from this generative and thought-provoking gathering, but I especially enjoyed hearing from Sarina Beges with the @AspenInstitute as she presented on Evolving the Community Foundation Business Model of the Future: A Path Towards Sustainability and Impact!

[Dr. Grace Lubwama @CEOatKZCF]

It was wonderful to be in Indianapolis last week for the CF Leads (Community Foundations Leading Change) annual forum, co-hosted by the @IndyFoundation in partnership with the Lily Family School of Philanthropy and @inphilanthropy. This year's forum was centered on courageous community leadership: innovation, inclusion and impact.

[Dr. Grace Lubwama @CEOatKZCF]

I am thrilled to share that I have recently been appointed to the Bronson Healthcare Board of Directors. As I step into this role, I am excited to continue and expand our collective work of making this community the most equitable place to live. Thank you Bronson Healthcare for providing this opportunity to help build a healthier and happier Kalamazoo! #LoveWhereYouLive

https://t.co/iwsVItbk9u

[Dr. Grace Lubwama @CEOatKZCF]

As a Black immigrant living in the United States, I embrace the meaning and importance of Black History Month and strive to use my voice to be a beacon of change for our community. I acknowledge that our history cannot be erased or changed, so we must honor and embrace it.

Living into KZCF's core values of love, joy, and connection, we push forward to create a future full of equal opportunity that allows us all to love where we live. #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackFuturesMonth

[Dr. Grace Lubwama @CEOatKZCF]

As we enter the holiday season, I wish everyone joy, peace, and time with loved ones. Let's celebrate our diverse community and take this time to rest and recharge. Happy holidays!

[Dr. Grace Lubwama @CEOatKZCF]

If you are looking for a way to make a big impact with your year-end giving, I encourage you to consider a gift to KZCF's Community Urgent Relief Fund. Watch the video below to learn how your gift helps support our fastest and most flexible tool for responding to emergencies and natural disasters.

With your gift, you can turn your love for Kalamazoo County into action so that when disaster strikes, our community is prepared. Together, we can build a more resilient Kalamazoo County! https://t.co/J25oxkz2PO

[Dr. Grace Lubwama @CEOatKZCF]

It's #GivingTuesday! Today, I invite you to make a lasting impact on our community by making a gift to KZCF's Love Where You Live Fund. 💚

This Unrestricted Fund allows us to provide grants to nonprofit organizations across Kalamazoo County and meet the greatest needs of our community members as they arise. #LoveWhereYouLive

[Kalamazoo Community Foundation @kalfound]

Happy #GivingTuesday! Today, we encourage you to show love for our community by making a gift to our Love Where You Live Fund! This fund helps address our community's greatest needs and boldest aspirations. #LoveWhereYouLive

https://t.co/VUYzMfGirw

[Dr. Grace Lubwama @CEOatKZCF]

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of spending a week in San Francisco with KZCF's Senior Leadership team (SLT) to deepen our relationships and explore a new space together. While there, we were also able to visit the San Francisco Foundation and Marin Community Foundation and engage with their staff to learn more about some of their recent successes and how they've translated to immediate impact in the communities they serve.

I am so thankful to the SLT for making it such a wonderful experience! 💚

[Dr. Grace Lubwama @CEOatKZCF]

It's #NationalPhilanthropyDay!

Today, I extend my gratitude to all the donors, volunteers, KZCF staff members and community partners who are actively working to make a positive impact in our community. By giving back to the community you love, you are helping to create a thriving Kalamazoo County for all. #LoveWhereYouLive

[Dr. Grace Lubwama @CEOatKZCF]

After each disaster comes an opportunity to be better prepared for the next one. Your gift to the Community Urgent Relief Fund ensures that Kalamazoo Community Foundation (@kalfound) remains a trusted resource for nonprofit partners when emergency strikes and time is of the essence.

Turn your love for Kalamazoo County into action by making a gift today!

https://t.co/9r0Mt72UtP

[Dr. Grace Lubwama @CEOatKZCF]

It was great to be in Richland last week to meet with residents and local business owners at the Richland Community Center. We had a very generative conversation around KZCF’s presence across all of Kalamazoo County and how we are working to make our community the most equitable place to live. Thank you to all who attended for taking the time to show up and show love for where you live!

[Dr. Grace Lubwama @CEOatKZCF]

It's Election Day! Today we have the opportunity to make our voices heard and show love for where we live by voting for the future we want for ourselves, our families and our community. I believe in the power of our voices and the power of our votes and I urge you to exercise your power today by casting your vote. #LoveWhereYouLive

[Dr. Grace Lubwama @CEOatKZCF]

It was an honor to be in Atlanta, GA last week for the inaugural Gathering of African American community foundation CEOs hosted by @CFLeads! There are now 40+ African American community foundation CEOs across the country, and it was empowering to be in a room with nearly half of them and experience their black brilliance firsthand.

We spent time talking about the importance of equity in philanthropy, and how leaders need to be strategic as we have conversations around racial, social and economic justice. We focused on how to have authentic conversations that can have a greater impact in the areas we serve, and allow resources to be allocated in the most systematically oppressed communities.

I want to thank CFLeads President and CEO, Mary L. Thomas, for helping bring together this outstanding group of changemakers.

[Dr. Grace Lubwama @CEOatKZCF]

I want to take a moment to personally congratulate KZCF’s Scholarships Manager, Jasmine Oldham, on her graduation from Leadership Kalamazoo! I am so impressed by Jasmine’s dedication, hard work and commitment to our community. Her desire to continue to strengthen her leadership skills is inspiring and a clear example of how she shows love for our community.

Congratulations Jasmine!

[Kalamazoo Community Foundation @kalfound]

We want to give a huge shout-out to our Scholarships Manager, Jasmine Oldham, on her recent graduation from Leadership Kalamazoo! Jasmine highly recommends the program to anyone that is or wants to be a leader in our community.

Congratulations, Jasmine! 😁 🎉 #LoveWhereYouLive

[Dr. Grace Lubwama @CEOatKZCF]

Did you know early voting begins this Saturday for Kalamazoo County residents? If you haven't already made your voting plan, now is the time! I believe we all have the power to create a better and more equitable future when we make our voices heard and vote. 🗳️Together, we can advance racial, social and economic justice in our community. #LoveWhereYouLive

[Kalamazoo Community Foundation @kalfound]

Envision this: Kalamazoo County becomes a community where every resident’s basic needs are met. Community members have access to safe and affordable housing, quality education and vibrant neighborhoods.

When we vote, we have a chance to help bring this incredible vision to life!

[Dr. Grace Lubwama @CEOatKZCF]

I had the pleasure of meeting James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw at the Council of Michigan Foundations' 52nd Annual Conference last week where he held a session on the profound wisdom of the Seven Grandfather Teachings of the Anishinaabe/Ojibwe peoples.

These teachings woke up my spirit and brought back memories of my own heritage in Uganda where we were told stories of similar connections to our ancestors. At the end of the day, we are all linked as human beings, and we value the contributions of diverse individuals. Leaning into your connections and inviting others to feel included will foster a more effective, responsive and sustainable approach to social challenges.

[Dr. Grace Lubwama @CEOatKZCF]

It has already been one week since I attended the Council of Michigan Foundation's 52nd Annual Conference in Traverse City! Reflecting on the conference, I am feeling very excited about the future of philanthropy in Michigan and how our broader work across the state will empower KZCF (@kalfound) to lead in Kalamazoo County. More to come!