Diversity on Board Program
Diversity on Board provides leadership development, education and board matching services to advance racial/ethnic minority representation on nonprofit and public boards.
Applications for 2026-27 Class 11 will open on March 1, 2026.
For more information about the Diversity on Board Program,
please contact Henry Johnson Jr., Vice President of Programs & Operations,
at 330-436-9009 or email hjohnson@leadershipakron.org.
Explore the Diversity on Board Program at Our Upcoming Open House!
Join us at our upcoming Open House to:
Discover how Leadership Akron cultivates transformative leadership by immersing participants in experiences that foster deep connections, inspire action, and equip leaders with the insights needed to drive meaningful, lasting change in Greater Akron.
Learn details about our programs from our staff members who facilitate them, recent participants, and alumni.
Meet both current program participants and others who, like yourself, are planning to apply for the 2026-27 year.
Diversity on Board Class 11 Open House
When: 02/26/2026 05:00 PM - 06:30 PM ET
Where: United Way Community Room (37 N High St., Akron, OH 44308)
Cost: Free
Why is it important for nonprofit boards to reflect the communities they serve?
Hear from community leaders about the important role that Diversity on Board can play in diversifying our community leadership.
Leaders Ready To Serve.
The goal of Diversity on Board is to develop diverse talent for service on nonprofit boards through a program of leadership development, education and coaching. Participants are fully supported on their journey toward fulfilling, effective board service.
Over the course of the program, participants gain valuable knowledge on all aspects of board governance and leadership, receive personalized coaching from established leaders within the nonprofit and public sectors, and engage in board shadowing, community service and networking opportunities with many of the leading organizations throughout Summit County.
LONG-TERM GOAL:
Create a critical mass of minority leaders that are prepared, motivated, and connected to serve on boards.
SHORT-TERM GOAL:
Within one year, graduates will serve on a board or committee in one or more area nonprofit/public organizations.
Board Resourcing
Our Diversity on Board program is designed to develop a critical mass of diverse talent prepared and motivated for board service. We would highly encourage you to consider these individuals as board candidates so that your board reflects the community it serves.