48. Lead Authentically within a White-Dominant Culture, Arva Rice, CEO of New York Urban League

How can we lead authentically within a white dominant culture?

For this Women of Color Rise podcast, Analiza talks with Arva Rice, CEO of New York Urban League (NYUL). Arva shares her journey beginning with her parents as sharecroppers in Arkansas. Her parents dreamed of a better life for their family and moved to Chicago, then Milwaukee. Arva and her siblings all went to college, with Arva attending Northwestern. A professor asked Arva, “How did you get into Northwestern?” Fighting off tears, Arva used this experience to motivate her, graduating with honors.

Arva took on her mother’s advice to, “Leave the door open for the next person” and dedicated her life to service. As a three-time CEO, Arva currently leads NYUL and their mission of enabling African Americans and other underserved communities to secure a first-class education, economic self-reliance and equal respect of their civil rights through programs, services and advocacy. 

Arva shares how she has learned to “dance” in her leadership, staying authentic to herself in a white dominant culture. 

1. Shed the belief that white is better and you are not enough. Arva prays and relies on affirmations which begin with, “I am God’s daughter…” Also, remember where you’ve been and what you’ve accomplished. Not just the tribulations but the trials too. Reflect on where you were one year ago, five years ago, ten years ago. Consider a person you admire. Know that they too have shed tears.

2. Know that even in white spaces, you can decide what feedback to accept or reject. Even with African American donors, board, volunteers, white supremacy still exists because the standard is still the white standard. Arva shares an example of being given feedback by a white CEO mentor that her passion was not sufficient and needed to be followed by statistics. While Arva did not agree with his viewpoint, she thought it was helpful to get a different perspective from a white leader. Arva saw how this could be helpful when deciding to form partnerships or fundraising with other white leaders.

3. Be aware of decision rights. Arva was nominated by Mayor Eric Adams as Interim Chair of the Civilian Complaint Review Board. In this role, Arva leads the board to “police the police” on behalf of the public. At the same time, while the board will give recommendations, ultimately, the decision is with the New York City Police Commissioner.

Get full show notes and more information here: 

https://analizawolf.com/ep-48-lead-authentically-within-a-white-dominant-culture-arva-rice-ceo-of-new-york-urban-league