What Is The UVBN?
The Upper Valley BIPOC Network was created to provide resources and networks that support the Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern and other communities of color in the Upper Valley of NH & VT.
Our Mission:
In our community, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where all BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) members feel a profound sense of belonging. We recognize and celebrate the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives that each individual brings, as they enrich the fabric of our community. Through active listening, empathy, and continuous education, we strive to create a space that promotes equality, dismantles systemic barriers, and empowers BIPOC individuals to thrive and lead with confidence, knowing they are an integral and cherished part of our shared journey.
Our Vision:
The Upper Valley BIPOC Network firmly believes in fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where every member feels a sense of belonging and is celebrated for their unique identity. We recognize and acknowledge the historical and ongoing marginalization and discrimination experienced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, and we are committed to actively dismantling systemic barriers and promoting their full participation and empowerment within our community.
We strive to create a safe space where BIPOC individuals are respected, valued, and supported in every aspect of community life. We actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion by embracing the rich tapestry of cultures, perspectives, and experiences that BIPOC members bring. We understand that true belonging requires a commitment to listening, learning, and unlearning, and we actively seek to amplify BIPOC voices, stories, and contributions.
We are dedicated to creating opportunities that uplift BIPOC individuals, both within our organization and in collaboration with external partners. This includes providing access to resources, mentorship, leadership positions, and professional development opportunities that enable BIPOC members to thrive and excel. We are committed to equitable representation in decision-making processes, ensuring that the concerns and aspirations of BIPOC individuals are heard and addressed at every level.
We acknowledge the importance of allyship and active engagement from all community members in our efforts to cultivate an environment where BIPOC individuals feel seen, heard, and respected. We encourage ongoing education and dialogue, challenging biases and prejudices, and building bridges of understanding. By standing together, we can create a community that is truly inclusive, where BIPOC members can flourish and contribute their unique talents and perspectives.
As we strive for a future free from racism, discrimination, and oppression, we are committed to regularly assessing our policies, practices, and initiatives to ensure they align with our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We remain dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals, regardless of their racial or ethnic background, feel a deep sense of belonging and are empowered to shape the future we aspire to together.
The Upper Valley BIPOC Network Steering Committee:
Emmanuel Ajavon, Dia Draper, Raven Lovelock, Alisha Robinson, Conicia Jackson and Julius Turner
with Allies: Stacey Dameron, and Tracy Hutchins
2nd Annual Community Impact Social Justice Awards
Nominations open on January 15, 2024 and close on February 29, 2024
Nominate someone for a Social Justice Award
The triumphs and traumas of social justice are the material of our American tapestry. Beginning with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and continuing through Black History Month we recognize black leaders who have paved the way to create a world in which all people have the opportunity to thrive.
In their honor, the Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)
Employee Resource Group wants to recognize all leaders of social justice who continue this legacy today and into the future. We invite you to nominate any individual whose work or service has made an impact.
Nominees can be in one of three categories: Youth Award (under 24), Dartmouth Health Employee Award, and Community Member Award
Nomination criteria:
- Actively engaged in demonstrated social justice action aimed at making the lives of others and/or communities better.
- Engaged in empowerment of marginalized individuals and/or communities.
- Engaged in community organizing and systems change that promote human rights and social justice action.
- Demonstrated evidence of ongoing inclusive change in the community/communities within which the individual(s) work.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/CISJAward to answer a few questions about your nominee.
The Dartmouth Health Black, Indigenous and People of Color Employee Resource Group (BIPOC ERG) works to promote unity by contributing to the community in meaningful ways. Employee Resource Groups (ERG) are voluntary, employee-led, employer-recognized groups of people who join together based on shared interests or life experiences to create a positive and safe space for friendship and support, personal and professional development, andallyship. To learn more, contact: BIPOC-ERG@hitchcock.org.
Past UVBN Events
UVBN Business Support & Social Event on June 8, 2023
What a special night! The Upper Valley Business Alliance Foundation in partnership with the Upper Valley BIPOC Network, Hypertherm Associates and The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth presented grants from our Small Business Grant for Underrepresented Entrepreneurs to our first cohort of recipients! Our grant recipients include EYEGAZER a Black woman-owned business that focuses on eyelash extensions, tinting and brow waxing and lamination located in Lebanon, owned by Chantal Holmes; Canaveral Candles is owned by Maria Rosario L. Barsola- Canaveral and located in West Lebanon; Adachi Labs, LLC provides business and professional coaching consultation owned by Anna Adachi-Mejia; and Curated Experiences by Raven Lovelock who provides curated travel planning and events for BIPOC individuals.Many thanks to Hypertherm Associates and Tuck for helping us to support BIPOC entrepreneurs and in building a more diverse business community in the Upper Valley!
The Upper Valley Business Alliance Foundation (UVBAF) Small Business Grant is a funding opportunity for small businesses located in the Upper Valley region of New Hampshire and Vermont owned by underrepresented entrepreneurs. The UVSBA is a community-based organization that seeks to support and promote the growth of small businesses in the area.
The 2023 Upper Valley Business Alliance Small Business Grant is a funding opportunity sponsored by Hypertherm designed to support small businesses owned by underrepresented entrepreneurs located in the Upper Valley region of New Hampshire and Vermont. The grant is intended to help businesses overcome financial difficulties and make investments that will allow them to grow and thrive as they work to achieve their goals and continue to contribute to the local economy.
