About | Boxser Diversity Initiative

Our Story

For more than 15 years, the Boxser Diversity Initiative (BDI) has been a leading voice for inclusion, education, and dialogue in Southwest Florida. We believe that by fostering understanding among diverse communities—across race, religion, gender, and background—we can build a more inclusive and vibrant region.

From modest beginnings, BDI has grown into a thriving organization thanks to the leadership and generosity of Dan and Litten Boxser. The couple, who moved from Europe to Longboat Key in 2008, helped spark a renewed wave of local interest in cultural exchange through thought-provoking programs.

Judge Charles Williams, long-time Board Member of BDI, has been critical to the organization's success and growth.

BDI brings scholars, thought leaders, and changemakers to our region to educate our community through talks, film screenings, exhibits, and events. Our programming explores the important social issues of our time, reflecting BDI's core mission: to bridge communities through shared histories and mutual respect. These efforts foster deep cross-cultural conversations and represent our ongoing commitment to promoting connection and community.

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Our Mission

Sparking Conversations & Building Understanding Across Southwest Florida's Diverse Communities

Through education, dialogue, and cultural programming, the Boxser Diversity Initiative elevates voices from around the world—bringing scholars, thought leaders, and changemakers to our region. Our talks, film screenings, exhibits, and events explore the urgent social issues of our time and inspire meaningful conversation, learning, and connection.

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The Dream Team

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Dan Boxser

Board Chair

Edna Sherrell

Director of Learning

Francis Garcia

Communications & Development Advisor

Domenica Valencia

Visual Media Specialist

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors provides strategic leadership, fiduciary oversight, and governance to ensure BDI fulfills its mission effectively and ethically. The Board is chaired by Co-Founder Dan Boxser.

Board Chair

Dan Boxser

Co-Founder, BDI

Dan@Boxser.com

Board Member

Litten Boxser

Co-Founder, BDI

Litten@Boxser.com

Board Member

Jackie Woods

Realtor, RoseBay International Realty; Former Board Member of Education Foundation of Sarasota County & Manasota ASALH

Board Member

David Boxser

Brand Innovation & Creative Agency Leader; Marketing Strategist

Board Member

Marc Boxser

Investor, Consultant, & Former VP of Communications & Policy at Chegg

Board Member

The Honorable Charles E. Williams, Esq.

Judge, 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida

Board Member

Manuel Chepote

CEO, Chepote Insurance

Board Member

William Johnston

Former President, New York Stock Exchange; Founding CEO, Agora Securities; Trustee Emeritus, Washington & Lee University

Advisory Board

Experts from across the country contribute to BDI's mission with their skills and knowledge.

Advisor

Kelsey Boxser

Chief People Officer, All3Media America
Former Director of People & Business Operations, Pineapple Co

Advisor

Tom Edwards

Board Member, Sarasota County Schools
Former Executive Director, Project Pride

Advisor

Francis M. García Fernández

Development & Communications Manager, ALSO Youth
Founder & Principal Consultant, GARCIA

Advisor

Renée James Gilmore

Executive Producer, ABC7/WWSB
President, The Saja Group

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Advisor

Sue Jacobson, Esq.

Former Board Chair of Jewish Family & Children's Service of Sarasota-Manatee (now JFCS of the Suncoast) and the New College Foundation
Retired Attorney