BROWNLAND
Brownland Leadership Solutions (BLS) is a pending 501 (c) 3 nonprofit committed to being a catalyst for change in institutional power dynamics, championing a concept called Structural Parity. Our guiding principle emphasizes that institutions reach their peak power, influence and performance when stewardship is maximally representative and broadly accountable, akin to the principles of democracy. Through thought leadership, consultations, education, strategic frameworks, and innovative tools, we empower institutions — from cultural sectors to corporate boardrooms to AI — to enter a new era of institutional renaissance, breaking free from legacies of exclusion. This journey triggers a ripple effect of genuine change, resulting in increased public trust, goodwill, and enhanced results.
Equity & Power:
A Renaissance of America’s Institutions
Mar 12, 2024 | 11:30am – 12:30pm CT
Austin Convention Center, Room 9C
In 2019, James French, a descendant of enslaved people, banker, and international fintech entrepreneur, led a successful four-year power-sharing revolution at The Montpelier Foundation. As Chairman (2022-2023), he established equal co-stewardship between the board and descendants of enslaved Africans, marking a first for US institutions and museums. This globally praised model of structural parity at Montpelier, the former home of James Madison, has the potential to shape the future of American institutions, redefining power and equity from museums to corporate boardrooms to AI.