Diahann Billings-Buford, CEO of RISE, was interviewed by Roy Kessel of the Sports Philanthropy Network at Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans. She discussed RISE’s efforts to use sports as a platform for racial equity and unity, highlighting their leadership programs and interactive experiences. She also emphasized the importance of open, respectful conversations on identity and race, even amid disagreements, as a way to foster understanding and progress.
Diahann Billings-Burford
Diahann Billings-Burford is a nationally recognized change agent. As the CEO of RISE, the nation’s leading sports organization improving race relations and fighting for social justice, she consistently directs her efforts to engage the sports industry to affect change.
She has won numerous recent awards including:
• Crain’s Notable Women in Sports
• Forty Women over 40 to Watch – Forbes
• Council for Urban Professionals Catalyst Awards: Change Agent
Diahann began her career two decades ago as a corporate attorney at Simpson Thatcher and Bartlett, one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. She quickly realized her passion was working with the disenfranchised, and so she left the firm to more directly help others. She has worked in more direct engagement with the less fortunate at Time Warner, the City of New York, Achievement First and now at RISE.
Diahann has an impressive background which includes interning for the White House and winning the Nguza Saba Award for Political and Social Leadership at Yale University. She has BA and JD degrees from Yale University and Columbia University, respectively.
RISE
RISE is a national nonprofit that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations. Through partnerships and programs, we inspire leaders in sports to create positive change on matters of race and equality. RISE provides: Leadership programming for student-athletes, coaches and administrators at every level to equip them with the knowledge and skills to stand up against racism and advance the conversation around race relations. Opportunities for athletes to amplify their voice and make a difference as effective advocates to stand up against racism and promote social change. Events for fans in conjunction with college and pro sports games and public awareness campaigns encouraging the public to join with professional athletes and community leaders in taking a pledge to stand against racism.
Watch the Interview Here
