It’s been two years since the launch of the Professionals of Color (POC) program, and what a great two years it’s been! Take a look at what POC has become and where we plan on taking it in the future.

• Check out POC's inaugural chair Thomas Jefferson, and current chair Trevor Mathew, in this Forum article: Get to know Fargo-Moorhead's business leaders of color

Mission statement
To impact the FMWF community be creating inclusive opportunities for Professionals of Color to develop personally and professionally through meaningful engagement and a sense of belonging.
 
POC program pillars

• Networking: Social events to provide members opportunities to interact and develop connections.
• Professional development: Learning and development resources members can apply to their daily work.
• Education: Opportunities to learn more about the diverse populations in our community and help educate our greater community the importance of embracing DE&I initiatives.
• Service: Philanthropic opportunities for members to serve in our community.

The Professionals of Color Program has been dedicated to providing spaces for members to actively engage with one another in an impactful way. To this extent, POC hosts two events each month:

• Networking Before 9 to provide opportunities for members to develop professional relationships.
• Discuss, Connect & Reflect, which serves as an opportunity for members to engage in meaningful conversations with each other focused on either a book or podcast.

Professionals of Color has also taken steps to develop community-wide education programs to help promote, train and foster diverse, inclusive and equitable workplaces through:

• The launch of a new community resources page focused on the topic of diversity, equity and inclusion.
• The launch, and completion, of a free six-session training program, Building Inclusive and Equitable Workplaces, developed to work alongside employers as they work to build even better workplaces where all individuals are welcome, invested in and engaged in work they find rewarding.

As we look to the future, we have big goals in mind to continue impacting not only our members, but also our greater community:

• Launch a mentorship program to connect POC members with regional college students.
• Expand the number of impactful POC networking, professional development and service opportunities provided.
• Launch additional community-wide education programing and resources

We invite you to get involved or check out an upcoming POC event!

Follow @FMWFPOC on Facebook and Twitter!