Meet Lenore Bartholomew, The New CFO And COO Of WeDiasporan Organizations
In a world where purpose-driven organizations are reshaping communities and redefining impact, WeDiasporan stands out as a true pillar of cultural empowerment and unity. At the heart of this transformation is Lenore Bartholomew, the newly appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the organization.
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With over 25 years of experience in the financial sector and a deep commitment to community development, Lenore’s leadership is poised to steer WeDiasporan toward greater sustainability and global influence.
A Strategic Appointment for a Global Mission
WeDiasporan has been at the forefront of reconnecting people of African descent with their rich cultural heritage. Through initiatives like The Journey, which chronicles the African migrant experience in Verona, the organization has preserved and celebrated the stories of African migrants and their descendants.
As the organization continues to grow, the need for strategic financial and operational leadership becomes evident.
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In a recent board meeting, Lenore Bartholomew was appointed as both CFO and COO, roles that are crucial for ensuring the organization’s financial health and operational efficiency.
This dual appointment reflects WeDiasporan’s commitment to building a strong foundation for sustainable growth and impact.
Lenore Bartholomew: A Legacy of Leadership
Lenore Bartholomew is an accomplished Chartered Banker and strategic consultant specializing in entrepreneurial and financial development. As the CEO of Du Soleil Legacy Consultants, she has dedicated her career to cultivating strong leadership and organizational excellence.
Her company focuses on transforming aspirations into lasting legacies, providing continuous practical support and direction for entrepreneurs.
With a background in risk management, credit structuring, corporate finance, and business management, Lenore brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She is also passionate about financial literacy, particularly for women and youth, and has authored David: A Handbook on Leadership under the pen name L. R. Ramirez.
Her decision to join WeDiasporan was driven by a strong commitment to empowerment and collaboration. Lenore actively contributes to the organization, supporting the African diaspora’s collective growth through mentorship and community-building.
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She believes in the transformative power of leadership and engagement, recognizing that by uplifting others, we also strengthen ourselves and our shared future.
The CFO Role: Stewarding Financial Health for Lasting Impact
As CFO, Lenore’s role is pivotal in ensuring WeDiasporan’s financial sustainability and growth. She is responsible for developing and overseeing the organization’s financial strategy, budgeting, and reporting processes. Key responsibilities include:
- Financial Strategy and Oversight: Developing and implementing financial strategies that align with the organization’s mission and goals.
- Fundraising and Donor Relations: Leading all fundraising efforts, including donor relations, sponsorships, and grant acquisition/management.
- Financial Health Management: Maintaining financial health through careful cash flow management, forecasting, and risk analysis.
- Compliance and Transparency: Ensuring compliance with all financial regulations and developing systems for accountability and transparency.
- Quarterly Financial Updates: Providing quarterly financial updates to the Executive Board with actionable recommendations for resource optimization.
Lenore’s approach emphasizes the importance of financial stewardship in supporting the organization’s mission and ensuring that every dollar contributes to long-term impact.
The COO Role: Integrating Vision Into Daily Operations
In her capacity as COO, Lenore will ensure that WeDiasporan’s operations align with its strategic goals. She oversees and optimizes daily operations, processes, and systems across all departments and initiatives. Key responsibilities include:
- Operational Oversight: Managing logistics for program and event execution, ensuring resource allocation supports organizational goals.
- Strategic Alignment: Coordinating with the CEO and Executive Team to ensure alignment between strategic goals and operational activities.
- Team Leadership: Supervising and supporting staff and volunteers, fostering a high-performance, mission-driven work environment.
- Operational Efficiency: Identifying operational gaps and implementing systems that improve efficiency, accountability, and collaboration.
Lenore’s leadership in operations ensures that WeDiasporan’s vision is translated into effective and efficient actions, driving the organization toward its goals.
A Partnership Built on Trust and Shared Values
Lenore’s collaboration with WeDiasporan founder, Obehi Ewanfoh, has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s strategic direction. Over the past months, they have worked closely together, reviewing documents and projects, and shaping a solid financial foundation for the organization.
Both leaders share a deep conviction in the organization’s mission and have committed their time and resources as volunteers to advance its goals.
This partnership exemplifies the power of shared leadership and mutual respect in driving organizational success. Together, Lenore and Obehi are leading WeDiasporan into a new era of growth and impact.
Why This Matters: Leadership Rooted in Purpose
Lenore’s appointment underscores the importance of strategic leadership in purpose-driven organizations. Her dual role as CFO and COO reflects a holistic approach to organizational development, integrating financial stewardship with operational excellence.
This comprehensive leadership model ensures that WeDiasporan can effectively pursue its mission of reconnecting people of African descent with their cultural heritage and fostering meaningful partnerships in a globalized world.
Her commitment to empowerment, collaboration, and community-building aligns with the values of many organizations within the African diaspora. For instance, the African Diaspora Network has been dedicated to uniting Africans from the continent, the diaspora, and allies to foster economic growth through entrepreneurship and social impact.
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Similarly, the Society for Africans in the Diaspora focuses on amplifying the global contributions of Africans through education and community-building programs.
By embracing these values, Lenore is helping to strengthen the African diaspora’s collective voice and impact, paving the way for a brighter future for all.
Looking Ahead: Building a Legacy Together
Under Lenore’s leadership, WeDiasporan is poised for continued growth and impact. Her strategic vision and commitment to excellence will guide the organization as it expands its initiatives and deepens its connections within the African diaspora community.
For those interested in joining this journey, there are numerous opportunities to get involved. Whether through volunteering, partnering, or supporting the organization’s initiatives, individuals can play a role in preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the African diaspora.
Together, we can build a legacy of empowerment, unity, and positive change.
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