Partnerships that create lasting community impact often go beyond traditional sponsorships. According to Rhonda Spears Bell, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at the National Urban League, the organization’s relationship with Experian has evolved into a collaboration centered on innovation, financial empowerment and shared purpose.
Serving 3.8 million people through 92 affiliates in more than 300 communities across the country, the National Urban League is focused on expanding access to the programs and resources that help individuals, families and entrepreneurs build stronger financial futures. According to Bell, partnerships play a critical role in making that possible.
Expanding opportunity in communities nationwide
As the National Urban League continues serving communities nationwide, Bell says one of its biggest challenges is expanding services that reach even more people.
“The specific challenge that we’re facing right now is how do we expand and grow and expand the services that serve our people in our communities?”
For Bell, the strongest partnerships are those that help organizations extend their impact by providing meaningful resources and improving access for the people they serve.
“The ability to serve, the ability to impact, the ability to provide access to resources and tools that are going to empower people so that their lives are better,” Bell said. “Accessibility is really what is important.”
She also values partners that embrace innovation and creativity. Qualities she believes help organizations develop new ways to serve their communities.
From sponsorship to strategic collaboration
Bell says the relationship between the National Urban League and Experian has evolved well beyond traditional sponsorship.
“It’s not just about sponsorship. It’s a true partnership. Experian is a true ally and a true partner,” she said.
Over several years of working together, the organizations have collaborated on initiatives designed to help people improve their financial knowledge andcreate new opportunities.
“We have the opportunity to be innovative with Experian, creative with Experian,” Bell said. “We co-create initiatives that are really impacting people’s lives.”
According to Bell, that collaborative approach has been one of the defining characteristics of the relationship.
Making financial education engaging and accessible
One example Bell highlighted is B.A.L.L. for Life (Be a Legacy Leader), a program designed to engage college students through financial literacy education, game show events and student ambassador opportunities.
She said the program helps students learn important financial concepts in a way that is both engaging and practical.
“We have a real program and focus that is aimed at college students, young people really teaching them about financial literacy, but in a way that is fun, that’s engaging, that’s purposeful, that’s setting them up for success for their future,” Bell said.
Beyond student programming, the partnership also includes educational sessions for entrepreneurs and small business owners focused on helping them strengthen and grow their businesses through financial education and access to resources.
For Bell, these initiatives demonstrate how organizations can work together to create opportunities that extend well beyond a single event or campaign.
A shared commitment to economic empowerment
Bell believes the success of the partnership stems from a shared commitment to serving communities and creating meaningful change. Through programs focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship and community empowerment, the partnership continues to create opportunities designed to help individuals and families build stronger financial futures.
About the National Urban League
The National Urban League is a historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization dedicated to advancing economic opportunity and helping African Americans achieve economic self-sufficiency and equal opportunity. Working through a nationwide network of local affiliates, the organization delivers programs, research and advocacy focused on education, workforce development, entrepreneurship, housing, health and financial empowerment.
Learn more at https://nul.org/
