CHICAGO, December 14, 2021 – Alford Group is proud to announce that President & CEO Brenda B. Asare has been selected as one of Crain’s Chicago Notable Black Leaders & Executives.
Crain’s Chicago Notable Black Leaders & Executives honorees are selected based on their professional excellence in the past year, their willingness to challenge and reroute the status quo, and their commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in their field.
Brenda joined Alford Group in 2004 and assumed ownership and the President & CEO role in 2014, bringing a wealth of experience in management, organizational development and fundraising, and a compassionate dedication to bettering the lives of those we serve. Alford Group has thrived under Brenda’s leadership for nearly ten years. We are grateful for Brenda’s genuine, deep care for others and her commitment to making the world a better place for all through sustainable equity practices.
“We are thrilled to see Brenda being recognized for her powerful leadership in the nonprofit community and extremely dedicated service to diversity, equity and inclusion practices,” said Sharon Tiknis, Chief Client Experience Officer at Alford Group. “There are many reasons that Brenda is deserving of such recognition. Her impressive practical know-how is matched by her enormous heart, both of which she employs daily to give organizations the resources they need to grow and impact their communities.”
With 34 years of sector experience in management and fundraising, Brenda has coached both her clients and Alford Group to new heights, encouraging growth in both professional and personal endeavors.
Brenda has partnered with a variety of organizations, providing fundraising campaign execution, strategic planning, corporate partnerships and more – helping clients raise over $2 billion to support their missions. Prior to joining Alford Group, Brenda served as Chief Development Officer with the American Red Cross in Chicago, leading successful fundraising efforts totaling over $100 million. Brenda also serves as 2nd Vice Chair of The Giving Institute and sits on multiple boards for a plethora of philanthropic organizations, striving to create a world in which all people can thrive.
“I’m humbled and so very honored to have been selected for this recognition alongside so many remarkable peers who have deepened their resolve to create a more just society,” Brenda said. “It’s always reassuring to have a notable publication like Crain’s elevate the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging community-wide by highlighting individuals who are leading the way on this front. I take that as motivation to work even harder as a champion of DEI, pushing myself, our firm, our clients and sector toward a brighter future with determination to push through, despite the knowledge that the journey won’t always be easy…but well worth it.
To quote James Baldwin, ‘A journey is called that because you cannot know what you will discover on the journey, what you will do with what you find, or what you find will do to you.’”
In the previous year, Brenda has led the firm’s expansion of both its internal and external DEI practices, acting with conviction to create the equitable future we wish to see.
“Our entire firm looks up to Brenda for her incredible passion, dependability and grace,” said Sharon. “Brenda never misses an opportunity to share or gather wisdom, demonstrating a life-long commitment to learning that has made her sensitive to others’ needs and determined to help them succeed.”
We at Alford Group congratulate Brenda on her selection for Crain’s Notable Black Leaders & Executives and are thrilled to continue working with her at the helm, always grateful for her impactful and heartfelt leadership.
Read Brenda B. Asare’s Bio.
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