How Philanthropic Giving Promotes Diversity and Opportunity in Higher Ed featuring Jera Oliver

Jera Oliver explains how a law clerkship inspired her non-traditional career and the importance of using money as a tool.

Jera Oliver, a Washington University School of Law (St. Louis) graduate, explains why more people with melanin need to be at fundraising tables and how she advocates for equity through philanthropic giving.

Support your favorite lawyer’s favorite podcaster and grab some You Are A Lawyer merchandise at shopyouarealawyer.com.

How Philanthropic Giving Promotes Diversity and Opportunity in Higher Ed featuring Jera Oliver

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How Philanthropic Giving Promotes Diversity and Opportunity in Higher Ed featuring Jera OliverHow Philanthropic Giving Promotes Diversity and Opportunity in Higher Ed featuring Jera Oliver

About This Episode

Jera Oliver became a Director of Development because she could see inequitable situations everywhere. After realizing that money is a tool, Jera Oliver learned to use fundraising and philanthropic giving to direct resources to the things that matter the most to her.

Now, Jera Oliver advocates for equity in higher education institutions, working within and for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at THE Ohio State University. Jera Oliver promotes diversity and maintains that money can change lives: whether its' large groups of people with small amounts of money, or small groups of people with large amounts of money.

Listen to learn:


  • How to use money as a tool
  • The importance of Black and brown people in fundraising and philanthropy spaces
  • How others can promote equity with philanthropic giving


We also discuss:


  • How Black people can donate to causes that inspire change outside of the church
  • Best career choices if you have a JD and enjoy sales and marketing
  • The challenges of first-gen college students


Jera Oliver is not licensed to practice law.


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You Are A Lawyer is hosted by Kyla Denanyoh. Follow the podcast:


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