Today we’d like to introduce you to LaTanya Flix.
LaTanya, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My parents and family certainly helped plant the seeds for the work I do today. They were generous and taught me about my responsibility to myself and to others, so at an early age I knew I wanted to make a difference.
I started volunteering formally in high school and continued in college where I received national recognition for outstanding leadership and community service. My undergrad coursework in social inequality, urban studies, and political science affirmed my commitment to public service, but I had not quite figured out how to turn my passion and interests into a viable career.
I was fortunate to receive the PPIA Fellowship which promotes the inclusion and full participation of underrepresented groups in public service. My fellowship summer institute at UC Berkeley was a defining moment that not only prepared me for graduate studies but also helped me create a vision and plan for my future.
The first part of my career was spent in senior leadership roles with community-based nonprofits and as a consultant to national organizations. I then made a planned transition to work in philanthropy full time.
Today, I lead CauseAdvance, an advisory practice that provides tailored advice for social change.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s been a winding road!
As a philanthropy advisor, nonprofit leader, and consultant, my career has been filled with a lot of firsts. I have worked on a range of causes to include financial literacy, mental health, youth and community development, and women and girls. Each experience has built on the one before and prepared me for the next opportunity.
No matter the challenge, I appreciate the extraordinary opportunity I have to influence others and create positive change.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with CauseAdvance – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Individual donors, families, and organizations want to increase their impact. The question then becomes, “How?” That’s where I come in.
I am a trusted advisor and clients rely on my expertise to prioritize how they use their resources- time, skills, money, and influence- for the causes they care about.
This looks different for each client.
• An individual may want to create an annual giving plan.
• A family foundation may need support with board governance or grantmaking strategy.
• Nonprofit organizations may be ready to build their internal capacity.
• A family may need to discuss how they transfer values to the next generation.
• A group of people with shared interests may want help to determine how they work together.
My sweet spot is balancing planning and implementation. I am known for helping people and organizations achieve results and move from where they are to where they want to be.
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc?
By 2020, women are expected to control $72 trillion- 32% of total personal wealth in the United States. I am excited about the changes taking place in women’s philanthropy and how women are redefining giving and legacy planning.
In August 2019, I realized a dream with the launch of Black Philanthropy Houston- an initiative to inspire, connect and inform black givers. Across the country, networks of black donors are reviving and expanding long-held cultural traditions of generosity and finding new ways to connect, learn from each other, and create change collectively.
I am a proud native Houstonian and a fifth-generation Texan and I am thrilled to see Black Philanthropy Houston come to life in my hometown. We are in the early stages of planning and I look forward to what’s ahead!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://latanyaflix.com
- Email: hello@latanyaflix.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latanyaflix/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaTanyaFlix/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/latanyaflix
- Other: https://blackphilanthropyhouston.org/
Image Credit:
Alex Washington
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