Profile in Philanthropy: WFCO Board Chair, Faye Tate
Meet Our New Board Chair, Faye Tate
Faye is the vice president for inclusion and diversity at CoBank and The Women’s Foundation’s 2022-23 board chair. CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U. S. agriculture, rural infrastructure, and rural communities. Faye is well known in the field of inclusion and diversity, having successfully developed and implemented many diversity and inclusion strategic plans.
Faye has received many honors over her career, including the 25 most powerful women by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, a woman of distinction by the Girls Scouts of America in Colorado, Leadership Denver’s Martin Luther King, Jr. business and social responsibility award, One Colorado’s ally award, the Paul Hunter award from the Colorado Human Rights Campaign, and trailblazer award from The Urban League of Metropolitan Denver.
Faye is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Denver alumnae chapter; the Colorado Women’s Forum; Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, Denver chapter; The Junior League of Denver; and The Links, Incorporated, Denver chapter.
Faye is a former member of The National Board of Directors for The Human Rights Campaign Foundation. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. HRC envisions a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people plus community members who use different language to describe identity are ensured equality and embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
In addition to her new role as board chair of The Women’s Foundation, Faye is a board member for The Arc of Colorado and The Arc of The United States – organizations that advocate for and provide services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“I come to this work because of my fabulous daughter, Elleana, who is a member of the differently abled community. My passion is to ensure that the IDD community is respected, included, and treated with dignity. No person with a disability should be left behind.”
Tell us something not many people know about you?
More people may know about this now because I share this as a little known fact about me, but back in the day, I was a real serious baton twirler! I still have my batons with me at my home! I left my fire baton at home in Virginia…..lol!
If you had a personal philanthropic mission statement or slogan, what would it say?
My statement would be the following: Treat people the way you want to be treated…..with dignity and respect.
What about The Women’s Foundation of Colorado’s mission inspires you?
The Women’s Foundation of Colorado’s mission references so many action words including “catalyzing”, “advance” and “accelerate” related to opportunities for women and their families. In addition, WFCO is bringing the expansive community together to make this happen. There are so many challenges right now and some of them seem insurmountable, but with consistent focus and push, WFCO is doing the work to make our mission a reality.
What do you believe is the most pressing issue women and families are facing in Colorado?
The most pressing issues for women and families in Colorado include: economic security, child care and access to reliable, affordable healthcare.
Who is your shero? Or who have been the leaders/mentors on your journey?
My “FOR REAL” shero is my mother who passed away in 2020 at the age of 96. She was a phenomenal woman….very kind and very caring! She was a wife and a mother who juggled five kids, worked outside of the home, and always had dinner on the table, including dessert! Not sure how she got it all done, but she did and she was nice, very nice!
If you had to teach a class, what would it be?
If I had to teach a class, it would be about drawing upon and utilizing one’s creative abilities in everything that they do. I’m a creative being and I capitalize on my creative juices personally as well as professionally. Whether its problem solving or making a presentation, I frequently lean on creativity!
What is the most pivotal moment in your career?
Early in my career, I became a “people manager” and that was pivotal for me. An executive saw something in me that I didn’t necessarily see within myself. With lots of anxiety, I embraced the role and attended every training that I could so that be the very best that I could be in that space. I love and appreciate interacting with people! I am generally outgoing and having the opportunity to work with so many people over the years, sharing experiences, caring and getting the job done has been and continues to be a highlight in my career!
Where do you find the most joy in your life?
I find the most joy in my life by spending time with family, including my fabulous daughter, Elleana!
What would you tell your 15-year-old self?
I would tell my 15-year-old self to “calm down and stop being so competitive because you’re stressing yourself out unnecessarily”.
Who would be your dream speaker for the Annual Luncheon?
My dream speaker for the Annual Luncheon would be Ketanji Brown Jackson.
What movie scene lives in your head rent free?
The scene in “The Proposal” with Betty White and Sandra Bullock when they are in the woods jammin’ to “Get Low”.
What is the most binge-worthy show? No judgement😊
Oh yeah! Yellowstone for sure!
