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#UpWithHer: Dallas Foundation's new director of donor engagement hopes to expand reach

Kezia Stegemoeller says philanthropy doesn’t often look like her, but she’s hoping that will change so people from all backgrounds can see themselves in every space.

DALLAS — Nearly 100 years! The Dallas Foundation has a long history of investing in the community. The foundation’s new senior director of donor engagement hopes to expand their reach. 

Kezia Stegemoeller says philanthropy doesn’t often look like her but she’s hoping that will change so people from all backgrounds can see themselves in every space.

"The more important thing for us is helping people understand why, why to give and why systems have existed that have led to problems that affect people’s lives," Stegemoeller said.

Stegemoeller manages The Dallas Foundation’s Racial Equity Fund, an effort to end systemic inequities in Dallas.

"Saying the thing, racism has affected so many of our systems which have led to other problems which now we’re trying to fix. So, I think it’s important to say the “thing” because often that’s the why," Stegemoeller said.

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Stegemoeller's gift to guiding donors comes from a decade of education experience, but she’s one of only a few black women in leadership in philanthropy.

She sees a shift, and her daughters remind her things are changing.

"They walk into rooms unapologetically, as if they know they deserve to be there. And I think sometimes as women, we second guess ourselves; do I belong in this space? Is this for me? And the answer is yes. My kids think the answer is yes for them and I am confident based on my experience that yes, I belong in all spaces," Stegemoeller said. 

And if you want to help people, Stegemoeller says philanthropy has a space for you.  

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"People forget that you have to have some business acumen in order to be successful, so I think taking business classes is a really good recommendation if you’re interested in philanthropy. You have to be curious about why things exist in order to affect change and I don’t think any leader is successful by being complacent and going along to get along, you have to dig deeper," Stegemoeller said. 

"Authenticity" is a buzzword, but it’s the only way to foster relationships.

"The biggest compliment I’ve ever received working in philanthropy is that donors enjoyed meeting with me because they never felt like I was going to ask them for money and that’s important just to have conversations with people and to truly be your authentic selves," Stegemoeller said. 

And that can help land you exactly where you need to be.

"It’s not lost on me there were people who drew sections of our city to disenfranchise people like me and now I am in a room looking at the map figuring out how to fix all of that and it’s a big honor," Stegemoeller said. 

August is Black Philanthropy Month, a national-coordinated effort to celebrate African-American giving in all its forms. And there are hundreds of philanthropic job opportunities in North Texas, how do you decide where to send your application? Stegemoeller says she looks at a job description carefully; if the details don’t align with who she is and who she wants to be, she does not apply.

The Dallas Foundation is looking for corporate and individual partners for their Racial Equity Fund. Visit DallasFoundation.org to learn more. 

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