Trish Adobea Tchume: A Visionary Leader for Social and Racial Justice
Trish Adobea Tchume is a dynamic, first-generation Ghanaian-American leader who has made a profound impact in the fields of social and racial justice, leadership development, and community organizing. With over two decades of experience, Trish has served in numerous pivotal roles, contributing to transformative change in organizations and communities across the United States. From her work at the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation to her involvement with Change Elemental, Trish’s commitment to justice and equity shines through in every aspect of her career.
Early Life and Background
Born to Ghanaian immigrant parents, Trish Adobea Tchume’s early life was shaped by the dual influences of her Ghanaian heritage and American experiences. Growing up in the United States, she developed a deep understanding of the importance of community, social justice, and the need for systemic change. Her experiences as a first-generation immigrant fueled her passion for racial equity and social justice, which she continues to advocate for today.
Trish’s educational journey began at Saint Joseph’s University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. Later, she pursued a Master’s in Education from the University of Vermont, which laid the foundation for her work in leadership development and community engagement. Her education was not just an academic pursuit, but a personal commitment to understanding how education, leadership, and systemic change intersect.
Career Path: Leadership and Advocacy
Leadership Roles at the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation
Trish’s career trajectory has been one marked by significant leadership roles that align with her values of racial justice, leadership development, and organizational change. Currently, Trish serves as the Senior Director of Leadership Research & Practice at the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation (RSCF) in Brooklyn, New York. In this role, she is responsible for creating frameworks and tools that help the foundation align its grant-making strategies with values of equity, trust, and innovation. She works diligently to develop learning loops that enhance leadership development for both RSCF and its partners, ensuring a long-term impact on the social justice landscape.
As Sterling Network Organizer, Trish’s role extends beyond grant-making. She leads the Sterling Network, a coalition of 60 New Yorkers committed to building a racially and economically just city. The Sterling Network brings together individuals and organizations across sectors, united by a shared vision for a more vibrant and equitable New York City. Through this initiative, Trish has fostered a culture of collaboration, empowerment, and collective action aimed at dismantling systemic racism and creating sustainable change.
Previous Experience and Contributions
Trish has held several notable positions throughout her career, each of which has helped shape her expertise in leadership development and social justice. Before her tenure at RSCF, she served as the Executive Director of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN). During her time at YNPN, Trish played a pivotal role in transforming the organization’s leadership development approach. She led the network through a theory of change process that clarified its mission and centered equity, diversity, and inclusion in its programming. Trish also helped expand YNPN from 27 chapters to 42 chapters in just four years, growing the network’s organizational support, staff, and funding base.
Trish’s work as Director of Leadership Development at the Center for Community Change and as the Network Coordinator for Within Our Lifetime: A Network to End Racism further exemplify her leadership in social justice. She has consistently worked to build leadership programs that empower people of color, especially women of color, and has facilitated organizational change processes in diverse sectors across the country.
A Commitment to Social Justice and Equity
Racial Justice Advocacy
Trish Adobea Tchume has spent her entire career advocating for racial justice and equity. She believes that leadership development is critical to the work of social change, and she has designed programs that specifically focus on empowering marginalized communities. Her advocacy is not just theoretical; it is grounded in her work with organizations dedicated to dismantling systemic racism and advancing racial healing. Through her leadership roles, Trish has been instrumental in developing networks that support racial equity practitioners and advocates, as well as organizing initiatives that create lasting change in the fight for justice.
As Sterling Network Organizer, Trish has worked to build a shared culture and understanding among activists and organizations in New York City. The Sterling Network is a space where community leaders can come together, collaborate, and strategize on how to address the challenges of systemic racism in urban spaces. Trish’s leadership in this initiative highlights her deep commitment to creating a racially just and inclusive future.
Supporting Women of Color in Leadership
A significant portion of Trish’s work is focused on elevating the voices and leadership of women of color. She is the co-author of Calling In and Up: A Leadership Pedagogy for Women of Color Organizers, a book that focuses on leadership development for women of color in social justice movements. Her efforts to support women of color have included developing leadership programs that emphasize empowerment, solidarity, and collective action. By fostering leadership within marginalized communities, Trish is helping to create a pipeline of future leaders who are equipped to drive social change and challenge systems of oppression.
Volunteering and Community Involvement
Beyond her professional work, Trish is actively involved in community initiatives that support her values of racial justice and empowerment. She serves as a board member for Change Elemental, an organization focused on building a leader-full movement ecosystem. In this role, Trish is part of a team that supports visionary work aimed at creating a more just and equitable society. She is also a member of the Movements in the Modern Diaspora Advisory Group at The Africa Center, where she works to amplify the voices of people of African descent in the global movement for justice and equality.
Trish’s commitment to volunteerism and community involvement is evident in her work with organizations such as the Central Brooklyn Food Coop and Ancient Song Doula Services, where she contributes her time and expertise to causes that promote health, well-being, and racial justice.
Personal Philosophy: Embracing Multiple Ways of Knowing
One of the key aspects of Trish’s leadership philosophy is her embrace of “multiple ways of knowing.” This approach draws from diverse cultural practices and knowledge systems, including indigenous wisdom, to inform leadership and movement-building. Trish has emphasized the importance of trusting nature’s wisdom, as seen in her reflections on a recent gathering at the Earthseed Land Collective. Through her leadership, Trish advocates for integrating diverse perspectives into the work of social justice movements, recognizing that these diverse ways of knowing can strengthen and deepen the impact of collective efforts.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Empowerment and Change
Trish Adobea Tchume’s career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to social and racial justice, leadership development, and community empowerment. Through her work at the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation and numerous other organizations, Trish has played a vital role in shaping the landscape of social justice advocacy in the United States. Her efforts to support marginalized communities, elevate the voices of women of color, and build collaborative networks for change have left a lasting impact on the movement for justice. As she continues to inspire and lead, Trish Adobea Tchume remains a beacon of hope and a powerful catalyst for change in the fight for a more just and equitable world.
