This Women’s History Month, we had the opportunity to hear from our inspiring member Debrah Giles, Program Director of East Bay Community Foundation (EBCF). EBCF partners with donors, fund advisors, social movements and the wider community to eliminate structural barriers, advance racial equity, and transform political, social and economic outcomes for all East Bay residents.

This month and every month, we remain grateful for women like Debrah who advocate for criminal justice reform, educational attainment, health access and improved economic pathways for people of color throughout California and across the nation. Their visionary leadership remains crucial to advancing opportunities not only for boys and men of color, but for all who face barriers to achieving their highest potential.

Thank you, Debrah, for being part of this work. Learn more about her below.

Tell us about your work… 

What about being a CFBMoC member excites you most?
The fact that we’re doing exciting work to shift the narrative around boys and men of color. I remember when we first started CFBMoC 10 years ago. My Brother’s Keeper was launched and we were exploring what to focus on to uplift California’s boys and men of color. For so long, there has been an emphasis on negative and harmful narratives about boys and men of color. I’m excited about the opportunity to amplify how powerful boys and men of color are, and give hope and peace of mind to the next generation. Hopefully, through our work, my own son won’t be seen as a negative threat but as someone who can create positive change in his community. 

Is there a recent project you would like to highlight that your organization is working on related to barriers facing boys and men of color in the state?
At East Bay Community Foundation, all four of our issue areas impact boys and men of color: inclusive economy, capacity building, cultural arts and movement organizing. Everything we do as an organization touches boys and men of color, and our successes are moving the needle and advancing boys and men of color throughout the East Bay.

Recently, “Belonging in Oakland: A Just City Cultural Fund,” our collaboration with Akonadi Foundation and Oakland’s Cultural Affairs Division, was featured in Inside Philanthropy. The fund’s goal is to support BIPOC cultural practitioners in their work to create barrier-breaking narratives and reimagine an Oakland free from racial oppression. 

Tell us more about yourself… 

What’s the last book, podcast, movie, or show you recently enjoyed?
The last movie that I enjoyed is Love and Basketball. That’s an older one, but it’s something that I could watch just about everyday. I absolutely love that movie. I always have.  

What is your go-to karaoke song?
I would never embarrass myself by singing. But if I ever decided to, my go to song would be “Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Knight. 

What’s your favorite place to travel in California and why?
Carmel-by-the-Sea in Monterey. I’ve been married for 31 years, and when we were first married, we had a honeymoon scheduled, but we had to wait a couple of weeks before we could go. So we went to Monterey, and since then, we’ve spent at least 20 of our anniversaries there. We’ve probably hit every bed and breakfast you could think of. It holds a lot of fond memories..