Why Building Representative Boards?

Diversity is an essential component of board effectiveness, yet nationally we still see significant over-representation (84% Caucasian) in board demographics while people of the global majority and people with disabilities, to offer two examples, each represent less than 10% of nonprofit board members nationally. This is unacceptable.

As nonprofit leaders and board members, we have a responsibility to do more, starting with an examination of the cultures and oppressive structures within our own organizations and dismantling old systems. Too often, when organizational readiness is not addressed, programs designed to increase board diversity ultimately cause harm and/or tokenize participants and newly-seated board members. 

CEN’s Building Representative Boards program is built on a comprehensive and intentional approach that engages both the potential board candidates and participating nonprofit organizations in training and support to build and maintain an IDEAL board culture. 
​ 
Nonprofit boards that authentically embrace and encourage diversity have the undeniable capacity to deepen their understanding of constituents and community needs and increase their overall effectiveness and impact. We hope this program will act as a catalyst for change in the Silicon Valley (and beyond!), resulting in nonprofit boards that foster belonging and represent a variety of perspectives, experiences, abilities, and cultures. 

Meet the participants! Cohort 1 | Cohort 2 | Cohort 3

Building Representative Boards Participation

Apply Now

BRB will begin on February 3, 2026 
Priority Application Deadline: December 15, 2025 
Final Application Deadline: January 9, 2026

The CEN Building Representative Boards (BRB) Program is a complimentary eight-week-long, leadership development and learning program for individuals historically excluded from nonprofit board rooms to explore board service. The program strives to make board service more accessible while preparing a younger, more diverse pool of talent that truly reflects the communities we live in and serve. 
 
Individual participants in the BRB Program come together weekly as a cohort, acquiring a strong foundation in the principles of effective board governance while building community with peers. Each session is facilitated by CEN facilitators, and/or external guest speakers/panelists. The program culminates in a Matching Event, where the BRB Cohort is introduced to a group or organizations who've participated in CEN's Board Organizational Preparedness Program and demonstrated readiness to engage a wide representative of board candidates. 

Program Snapshot

Schedule of Events

Session 1: Understanding the Responsibilities of a Board Member
Session 2: How to Add Value to Any Board with Passion and Expertise
Session 3: The Effective Board Member
Session 4: Guest Perspective Panel - Board Service Uncut and Unfiltered
Session 5: Round Table - Where I Am Going
Session 6: Circle Back - We Are Here
Session 7: Board Match Prep I
Session 8: Board Match Prep II

Board Match Event to occur in April 2026

Attendance Requirements

Participants attend Building Representative Boards in order to qualify for the Board Match Event. 

Program cost: No Cost to Participants

Total Retail Value: $2,000 per participant:

  • 6 weekly sessions + makeup sessions = $850 value 

  • Materials and resources = $500 value 

  • Individual coaching = $500 value 

  • Match Event = $150 value

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The program is open to individuals from historically excluded communities who are interested in nonprofit board service. BRB welcomes people of the global majority, people with disabilities, younger professionals, and others who want to bring diverse perspectives and lived experiences to nonprofit boards. 

  • BRB runs for 8 weeks and includes weekly sessions plus the Board Match Event. Participants must attend at least 5 of the 6 main sessions to qualify for the match. Sessions are interactive, with additional preparation or reflection activities outside of class time. 

  • No. BRB is offered at no cost to participants. The retail value of the program is $2,000, including training sessions, materials, coaching, and participation in the Board Match Event.

  • The Board Match Event connects BRB graduates with nonprofit organizations that have completed CEN’s Board Organizational Preparedness Program (BOP). These organizations have demonstrated readiness to welcome and support diverse board members. The event allows participants to explore opportunities and make connections for potential board and committee service. 

  • Applications for the next BRB cohort will open October 2025.  Sessions start on February 3, 2026 and end on March 31, 2026. The Board Match Event follows on April 9, 2026.