Suggestions
Jonathan Osler
Philanthropic Leader - Advancing Racial & Economic Justice
Professional Background
Jonathan Osler is a dedicated and accomplished nonprofit leader who exemplifies commitment to education, equity, and social justice. With an extensive career spanning over several years, he has developed a successful track record in managing teams and projects with a focus on building dynamic partnerships across various sectors. As the current Director of Philanthropic Initiatives at the Marguerite Casey Foundation, Jonathan plays a crucial role in driving philanthropic efforts that align with the foundation’s mission to promote social equity and justice.
Previously, Jonathan showcased his versatility and expertise as a Fundraising, Communication, and Partnership Strategist at Jonathan Osler Consulting, where he provided invaluable guidance to organizations aiming to enhance their impact and reach. His earlier roles at the Oakland Public Education Fund included Senior Director of Schools, Programs, and Learning, as well as Director of Development, highlighting his deep commitment to improving educational outcomes for diverse communities.
In addition, Jonathan has hands-on experience in schools, having served in various educational capacities such as Principal at the Alameda Unified School District and Executive Director at the San Francisco Teacher Residency. His acute understanding of educational environments has allowed him to effectively contribute to schools and programs in roles that range from teacher to math coach, showcasing his comprehensive approach to educational leadership.
Education and Achievements
Jonathan's educational background is as impressive as his professional journey. He attained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in African American Studies and Urban Studies from Wesleyan University, where he developed a strong foundation for understanding social dynamics and issues related to urban education. He further enhanced his leadership skills by studying at the Principal Leadership Institute, obtaining a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership within Educational Administration at the prestigious University of California, Berkeley. Jonathan has also benefited from specialized leadership training through his participation in programs at CORO Leadership NY and CRLS, further enriching his capabilities as a leader.
Jonathan's contributions to the field of education and nonprofit leadership are marked by numerous notable achievements. He has played a critical role in grantmaking and fundraising initiatives that have driven substantial resources to educational programs and organizations dedicated to social change. His work has not only fostered cross-sector collaboration but has also established platforms that uphold and promote equity and racial justice.
Achievements
The impact of Jonathan's career is reflected in the numerous organizations he has collaborated with, including his influential positions as Lecturer in the CalTeach Program at the University of California, Berkeley, as well as Adjunct Assistant Professor at Saint Mary’s College of California and Adjunct Instructor at the University of San Francisco. These academic roles underscore Jonathan’s dedication to teacher education and development, reinforcing his commitment to shaping the next generation of educators.
As a former Youth Organizing Fund Coordinator at the New York Foundation, he engaged young voices in activism and community organizing—a pivotal aspect of fostering empowerment and change within marginalized populations. His involvement as a Math Coach at UCLA Center X also emphasizes his passion for enhancing instructional quality, particularly in mathematics education.
Throughout his career, Jonathan Osler has made significant strides in the nonprofit sector, utilizing his expertise to drive initiatives that prioritize equity, inclusivity, and social justice. His diverse experiences across various roles have uniquely positioned him as a leader who understands the nuances and challenges faced by marginalized communities. As he continues to lead and innovate in the nonprofit landscape, Jonathan remains dedicated to making a profound impact in education and community development, working tirelessly to ensure equitable opportunities for all.
tags':['nonprofit leader','philanthropic initiatives','educational leadership','fundraising strategies','racial justice advocate','cross-sector partnerships','community engagement','educational administration','urban studies','African American studies','teacher development','social equity','grantmaking','community organizing','leadership development'],
questions':['How did Jonathan Osler develop his commitment to equity and racial justice in his professional career?','What strategies has Jonathan Osler implemented to foster successful cross-sector partnerships?', 'How does Jonathan Osler’s educational background influence his leadership style in nonprofit sectors?','In what ways has Jonathan Osler contributed to improving educational outcomes i
Highlights
🧑🏾 Most students in U.S. public schools are young people of color 👱🏾♂️ 🙋♂️ Over 80% of their teachers are white 🙋♀️ 🤷♂️ How do white educators think about these dynamics? 🤷♀️
"From White Folks Who Teach in the Hood" passes the microphone to white teachers who have been navigating the complexities of educating children of color within oppressive systems to help answer these questions.
I was honored when sam seidel and Christopher Emdin invited me to write about organizing parents for educational equity in Oakland.
In my essay The Misplaced Outrage of Woke White Parents I quote Ernest Owens, M.A. who writes: "Apologizing isn’t enough. Giving money isn’t enough. Saying #BlackLivesMatter isn’t enough. Relinquishing power and reducing the space you take up in society as white people is good."
Check out the website www.fromwhitefolks.org, listen to the podcast, and share your thoughts.
Source: https://lnkd.in/guhqP5vV
The Misplaced Outrage of Woke White Parents is the name of my chapter in a new book called "From White Folks Who Teach in the Hood" that is out today 📗 🔥
In 2019, I engaged in advocating for the merger of two separate and unequal elementary schools in Oakland – one my kids were attending and another nearby. My story explores how the privileges some of us fiercely protect are directly linked to the inequitable conditions faced by others, and exposes the contrast between the progressive values many white parents claim to hold and their (our) reluctance to part with structural privilege when real change is on the line.
From White Folks is the follow-up to an NYT bestseller by Prof. Christopher Emdin (Columbia), and co-edited by sam seidel (Stanford). Mine is one of 24 essays from white educators working in/with urban public schools who share stories and critical reflections about our roles in these systems.
📣 Check it out: www.FromWhiteFolks.org
#FromWhiteFolks #EducationalEquity #Oakland
