LaDawn Sullivan has racial justice and community leadership in her DNA. The eldest granddaughter of long-time Denver civil rights leader Ruth C. Denny, LaDawn has centered the love of giving back, racial justice and her community in her professional work and personal life.
LaDawn has organized and supported social justice and racial equity through her various roles at The Denver Foundation for over 24 years. She created and directs the Black Resilience in Colorado (BRIC) Fund. She manages programs that support and increase the capacity of emerging leaders of color and their organizations, including the Executive Directors of Color Institute, The Landscape Project, and EPIC (Elevating Philanthropy in Communities of Color). She uses her expertise in community engagement, inclusive leadership and racial equity practices across BRIC’s work with internal and external constituencies.
LaDawn previously served as a key staffer for the Hunt Alternatives Fund, a private foundation, and former Colorado Governor Roy Romer’s administration in the Office of Policy and Initiatives.
Passionate about elevating strategic giving in communities of color, LaDawn is the Chair of The Links, Inc.’s Philanthropy Committee (The Links Foundation) — a national Black women’s organization promoting sisterhood and community service. LaDawn is Immediate Past Chapter President of the Denver (CO) Chapter of The Links, Inc. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Philanthropy Colorado, a statewide network of foundations and charitable contributors.
LaDawn enjoys reading, singing and cooking for family and friends. She is the mother of two wonderful adult sons.