Akeiva M. Ellis
Financial Education Specialist
Ballentine Partners LLC
Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
Access Akeiva’s full bio here
Akeiva M. Ellis is a member of 21/64’s Certified Advisor Collective and Learning Community and the 2021 Certified Advisors of Color Program. Jumi Falusi Samen, Senior Director at 21/64, interviewed her during Black Philanthropy Month in August 2022.
As you think about the ways you are driving change, how are you making an impact in addition to your professional philanthropic advising work?
Akeiva: I view philanthropy as one way to create and support meaningful societal change. Outside of helping clients drive this change through their giving, I seek to make a personal and corporate impact where I can. Racial equity is a cause that I care about deeply, and I aim to support this cause through my spending decisions, such as intentionally purchasing from Black businesses, and spending time working on initiatives that help to advance BIPOC communities.
How does your identity relate to your roles you embody in philanthropy?
Akeiva: I come from a very religious Black family. Giving of our time, talent, and treasure was something always modeled by my parents and engrained in me from a very young age. I grew up volunteering at church, contributing my talents wherever needed, and saw my parents consistently write their weekly checks and drop them into the offering plate. To this day, I remain a staunch tither, returning 10% of my gross income to support the work of God.
What is a facilitation tool or technique that has resonance for you?
Akeiva: Though I also enjoy using the Picture your Legacy cards, one of my favorite facilitation tools is the Motivational Values cards. This exercise helps me keep my “why” for giving front and center. It’s a reminder of what’s important and allows me to keep my intentions for giving aligned and pure.
As you reflect on the last year, what is the untold or overlooked story that you are celebrating about Black philanthropy?
Akevia: In the face of a global pandemic, racial unrest, and economic hardship, Black philanthropy remains alive. I’ve witnessed communities rally together in times of need and give in various forms. Despite the persistent racial wealth gap, Black donors donate more of their income than other racial groups. We’ve also seen the rise of giving circles and Black philanthropy networks during this time.
What predictions/themes to watch are you most energized to follow in Black philanthropy?
Akeiva: The increase in robustness of resources and infrastructure available around grantmaking from a racial justice lens is a trend that energizes me. I’m also interested in following the shifting demographics of people supporting these causes, as this space is currently primarily driven by donors of color. Additionally, I’m excited to watch the continued development of racial equity impact investment strategies as another medium for driving change in this area.