The CAFE Group | LinkedIn (original) (raw)

About us

The CAFE Group is a trailblazing organization committed to advancing educational equity and redefining philanthropy. Under the visionary leadership of CEO and founder Liz Thompson, we embrace a love-centered approach that invests in visionary leaders and cultivates next-generation talent to drive systemic change.

Industry

Philanthropic Fundraising Services

Company size

11-50 employees

Headquarters

Chicago, Illinois

Type

Nonprofit

Founded

2014

Specialties

education, professional development, career attainment, college success, leadership, non-profit, work experience, innovation, authenticity, impact, resources, communities, students, philanthropy, engagement, opportunity, and invest

Locations

Employees at The CAFE Group

Updates

2,867 followers
1w Edited
🚀 Apply to join the 2025 1954 Project Luminary Cohort! The 1954 Project is The CAFE Group's initiative dedicated to transforming educational outcomes for Black students and communities. Inspired by the promise of Brown v. Board of Education, The 1954 Project connects visionary leaders in education with catalytic resources to drive systemic change. We are searching for bold leaders who are creating impact in any of these three areas: - Innovation in Teaching & Learning: Developing culturally affirming education models. - Diversity in Education: Increasing Black leadership in education. - Pathways to Economic Mobility: Strengthening education-to-career opportunities. The 1954 Project Luminaries receive: - $1M in unrestricted, transformational funding over three years. - Personalized mentorship and leadership development. - Access to a catalytic network of peers and supporters. How to Apply: 1️⃣ Complete the eligibility form no later than February 23, 2025. 2️⃣ If eligible, submit the full application between February 3–28, 2025. 📲 Learn more about The 1954 Project and the Luminary Award: https://lnkd.in/ez63bqSn.#LeadWithLove #1954Project #EducationEquity
The 1954 Project seeks visionary education leaders dedicated to advancing opportunities for Black students and communities. Ready to amplify your impact? What becoming a Luminary means: ✨ $1M in unrestricted funding to power your vision ✨ A national network of innovative leaders ✨ 3-year journey of mentorship and growth Your work could qualify if you focus on: ✨ Innovation in Teaching and Learning ✨ Diversity in Education ✨ Economic Mobility from Education to Career Important Dates: - Eligibility forms due February 23 - Full application opens February 3 (for approved candidates) - Final applications due February 28 Don't wait—take the first step: https://lnkd.in/e7feY5Fk #1954Project #EducationEquity #TransformativeLeadership
✨ Hiring: Communications Manager | 80K−80K-80K−90K | Chicago Share stories that matter at The CAFE Group! We're looking for a creative communicator to join our team and help amplify the voices of visionary leaders transforming both philanthropy and education. You'll partner with our CCO to craft compelling content, from newsletters to social media, while building smart systems and practices to keep us running smoothly. Perfect for a strategic thinker who loves both storytelling and getting things done. 🚀 Apply: https://lnkd.in/eyaUgrpj #CommunicationsJobs #SocialImpact #ChicagoJobs #SocialImpactJobs
This is what community looks like ✨ At our 2024 Network Summit, 1954 Project Luminaries shared insights, built connections, and imagined new possibilities for education. Together, they're committed to creating change that will have a generational impact. Now, we're searching for the next cohort of Luminaries ready to join this transformative community: ✔️$1M unrestricted funding to scale your impact ✔️ A national network of education innovators ✔️ A 3-year journey of mentorship and growth Important Timeline: ✦ Submit eligibility form by February 23 ✦ Application portal opens February 3 for approved candidates ✦ Final applications due February 28 Take the next step to transform education. Start here: https://lnkd.in/e7feY5Fk #1954Project #EducationEquity #TransformativeLeadership #SocialInnovation
"Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love. And this is what we must see as we move on." Dr. King’s words remind us that love is not just a sentiment—it’s a deliberate choice. Love is an act of courage that can influence how we navigate the thousands of decisions we make each day. Every small choice defines the type of world we create—choosing through love moves us closer to the one we dare to imagine. At The CAFE Group, we believe in this tangible work of love. It calls us to support leaders who reimagine what justice can look like, invest in education as a source of collective freedom, and build a world where our shared humanity is the foundation of progress. This MLK Day, we recommit to this work—not in isolation, but together. Let’s choose love, let’s choose justice, and let’s choose one another.#MLKDay #EducationEquity #Philanthropy #LeadWithLove
✨ We’re Hiring: Program Director, The 1954 Project 📌 About the Role: As Program Director, you'll: ✅ Turn vision into action by building and managing The 1954 Project’s programs and operations. ✅ Build and lead a high-performing team to manage program initiatives. ✅ Foster meaningful relationships with funders, thought leaders, and change-makers. Apply today: https://ow.ly/8bkp50UGzjT #LeadWithLove #EducationEquity #1954Project
Check out our incredible CEO Liz Thompson on The Bridgespan Group Dreaming in Color Podcast! Liz detailed her journey in the social impact sector, and highlighted how her unwavering commitment to love and service drove her to a trailblazing career and the work we do at The Cafe Group today! Listen here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/guYdvkRq
2,867 followers
6mo Edited
This Fourth of July, we celebrate the enduring journey toward a more perfect union—a vision enriched and propelled by Black American communities and shared by all who value justice and equality. Our national fabric is intricately woven with threads of Black creativity, resilience, an unwavering pursuit of justice, and countless contributions from diverse communities. These efforts collectively define what it truly means to advocate for a nation that upholds its promise of freedom and equality for all. At The CAFE Group, we know creating meaningful change requires everyone's participation. By supporting Black education innovators and future philanthropists, we're building pathways for learning and leadership that are essential for a just and vibrant society. This work is a tribute to the true spirit of the Fourth of July—resistance, tenacity, and the aspiration for a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. As we reflect on today's symbols of freedom, let us honor the quilt-like tapestry of American history, where each piece—a story of love, community, and hope—binds us closer to fulfilling the dream of a more perfect union. Today, we invite you to join us in reflecting on our shared history and taking action toward a future defined by greater justice, progress, and inclusivity. We are dedicated to this mission, today and every day, for generations to come. ** This graphic features quilts by artists Mary Lee Bendolph, Faith Ringgold, Loretta Pettway, and Queen Quet. These quilts symbolize the creativity, resilience, and rich traditions of Black American communities, weaving stories of love, community, and hope into the fabric of American history.#SocialInnovation #Philanthropy #FourthOfJuly #GeesBend
Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the genius, resilience, and innovation of the Black community. Today, we reflect not only on emancipation but also on the ongoing journey toward freedom and equity that persists in the present. 🌟 🌻 🌈 We know there's still a long way to go. It will take *all* of us to achieve a future where everyone can thrive. Committing to the promise of what Juneteenth represents is a radical expression of love and belief that a better future is possible. ❤️ 🖤 💚

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