About Us
Our Shared Vision for a Better World
Cultural Outreach and Racial Equity (CORE) Collective NFP is a 501c3 organization that leverages collaboration, education and research to drive positive social change and promote a more equitable human experience. We are dedicated to fostering inclusion and engagement through initiatives that promote cultural understanding, and advance racial equity in society, business, and education. We actively work to build bridges throughout communities and organizations, emphasizing programs that celebrate diversity and address racial disparity and empower underrepresented and underserved groups contributing to positive social impact.
Our Story
Founded by a recipient of Arizona State University's Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) scholarship, the idea for CORE Collective was sparked through the ILA's community action project: Bridging the Gaps in Our Own Backyard, A Call for Action Through Awareness. Working to develop community-based initiatives aimed at strengthening relationships with Indigenous tribes in the area, the project was designed to connect local non-profit organizations to develop trust and community awareness for Indigenous folks in Northern Illinois.
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Partnering with Northen Illinois University (NIU), NIU's Pick Museum or Anthropology and Center for Latin American Studies, The Historical Center of DeKalb County, The DeKalb County Public Library and Napersettlement, we collaborated with the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribe of Shabbona Illinois to execute a series of cultural learning events bringing awareness and mutually beneficial partnership to both the tribal community and DeKalb county through exhibition, storytelling and hands-on experiential learning activities.
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The goal of this project was to develop trust and institute sustainable connection between the two communities and serves as a catalyst for cultural competency and understanding of the nuances of local Indigenous communities, giving us the resources and tools for mutually beneficial partnership and interconnectedness.
Meet The Team
Our board is 100% comprised of Indigenous, woman leaders experiencing different backgrounds and areas of expertise. Each of our board members has a unique and diverse lived experience contributing to CORE Collectives mission, vision and impact.
