President and CEO, Urban League of Rochester (Rochester, NY)

Years in current role: 6

What was the most significant challenge your organization faced in 2024, and how did you address it?

The Urban League of Rochester faced the challenge of meeting growing community needs while maintaining service excellence. We conducted a strategic evaluation of our strengths and those of our partners to ensure every service was delivered at the highest level. By shifting certain programs to organizations better equipped to provide them, we strengthened the overall support system while focusing on what we do best. This decision allowed us to enhance impact and prioritize community needs. In the end, it reinforced our belief that our work is about impact, not just effort.

What trends or innovations in your industry do you anticipate having the biggest impact in 2025?

What an incredible lineup of women who are trailblazing industries and communities! Congratulations to all those who made Crain’s 2025 Women of Influence list, showcasing their extraordinary talent and ability to lead Chicagoans with passion and purpose. The women featured include: 

Saluting women! We honor the impact and contributions Black women make in our families, communities the nation at large. Watch our recent celebration! | Never forgotten. Four years have passed since the loss of one of our nation’s greatest civil rights champions, Vernon Jordan. More on his enduring legacy. | Farewell to an icon. See how Roberta Flack, who passed away this week, used her journey from hardship to musical legend and activist to inspire generations. | On the ground. See as our President & CEO Marc Morial joined the Los Angeles Urban League and other leaders to support fire recovery and rebuilding efforts. | How do we fight back? Watch a recap of our Demand Diversity Roundtable meeting with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries on standing up against attacks on DEI. | Help is available. If you were affected by the Southern California wildfires, you can register for FEMA assistance until March 10. Here's how to get started. | #FightTheFreeze. Were you or someone you know impacted by the federal funding freeze? Your Congress members need to know! Share your story today. | Supporting entrepreneurs. In last week's issue of ReMARC's, we ran a piece celebrating Black History Month under "The Movement" incorrectly attributing the work of the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio to the Miami Valley Urban League. Read the full story here. | When was your last vaccine? Staying up to date with the latest vaccines is the best way to protect your immune system. Set an appointment today.

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

“I'm deeply saddened that many of the songs I recorded 50 years ago about civil rights, equal rights, poverty, hunger, and suffering in our society are still relevant in 2020. I hope that people will hear these songs in a new way as they connect to their lives today, to this pandemic, to the growing economic disparities, to Black Lives Matter, to police brutality, to activism versus apathy, and the need for each of us to see it and address it.” – Roberta Flack

From the time she was a 4-year-old girl in Black Mountain, N.C., Roberta Flack dreamed of having her own piano.  But her parents couldn’t afford one.

When she was 9 and her family was living in Arlington, Va., her father spied a beat-up old upright piano in a junkyard. He brought it home and painted it green.

See as our President & CEO Marc H. Morial receives the Humanitarian Award at the 38th Leigh Steinberg Super Bowl Party in NOLA.

We demand change. We’re taking action against attacks on DEI and have filed a lawsuit to challenge three recent anti-equity executive orders. More on that. | Checks and balances. See how Trump’s Administration continues to support anti-equity laws, violate the First Amendment + more. | On DEI, merit & more. Watch as our President & CEO Marc Morial breaks down our lawsuit against the Trump Administration and the fight for diversity. | Upskilling is key. Register for our FREE webinar on Wednesday for tips and resources on improving your skillset to level up your career. | Supporting small biz. Check out how Miami Valley Urban League is uplifting Black-owned businesses as part of this year’s Black History Month celebration. | Weekend watch list. Don’t miss the replay of the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration, with a special guest appearance from Marc H. Morial.

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

 
“An elective despotism was not the government we fought for; but one in which the powers of government should be so divided and balanced among the several bodies of magistracy as that no one could transcend their legal limits without being effectually checked and restrained by the others.” -- Thomas Jefferson 

The foundational principle of the United States Constitution is the separation of powers, commonly described as "checks and balances." The authority of each of the three branches of government is limited by the other two.