Building power where it has been denied
Olmec develops the leadership, opportunity and voice of Black and minoritised communities to reshape decision-making, strengthen economic security and create fairer systems across housing, communities and civic life.
Artwork by Kim Thompson https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/KimThompsonArt https://www.instagram.com/kim_a_tron
Born from struggles for housing justice and racial equality, we support communities to move from exclusion to influence through leadership, economic opportunity, heritage and collective action.
Why this Matters
Racial inequity continues to shape who holds power, who has access to opportunity, and whose voices are heard.
Leadership remains disproportionately white. Economic inequality limits access to opportunity. The histories and experiences of Black and minoritised communities are too often overlooked or lost.
These inequalities are not accidental; they are the result of systems that have excluded communities from power, resources and recognition over generations.
Without changing both who leads and how systems operate, inequality persists.
That is why our work connects leadership, economic opportunity, heritage and collective action — because lasting change requires more than one route to power.
Olmec exists to change this.
How we create change
Olmec builds power through leadership development, economic opportunity, community heritage and collective action.
We build leadership
Through Black on Board, we support Black and minoritised leaders to step into board, governance and senior leadership roles across the public, private and voluntary sectors.
We expand economic opportunity
Through Groundings, we support individuals and communities to access good work, develop enterprise, progress in their careers and build economic confidence.
We strengthen voice and heritage
We honour the struggles and achievements of the communities who came before us. Our work helped bring about Bronze Woman, the first public statue of a Black woman in Britain, celebrating the strength and leadership of Black women and inspiring future generations.
We shift systems and power
Across our work, we bring communities, leaders and institutions together to challenge exclusion, reshape decision-making and create fairer systems.
Our Impact
For more than 20 years, Olmec has supported people and communities to build leadership, economic opportunity and collective power.
750+ leaders developed through Black on Board
75% of Black on Board participants progress to board or senior leadership roles
600+ people supported into board and governance roles
Hundreds supported through Groundings into employment, training and opportunity
Partnerships with local authorities, housing associations, community organisations and national bodies
A growing leadership community sharing practice, building connections and extending influence across sectors
Work With Us
Support Our Work. Donate Today.
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