In the earlier days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Natasha Walker sought work grounded in resourcing spiritual communities. She saw BLUU’s posting for a Developmental Board Chair and knew the position was a perfect combination of her experience with corporate leadership and her yearning for spiritual deepening. She transitioned off of BLUU’s board last month after three years of leading BLUU’s board work but not before she did a lot of the work she first intended to do when she took the position.
During her time as Developmental Board Chair, BLUU started a rigorous restructure process that solidified BLUU’s commitment to non-hierarchical leadership.
“Over the time I was here, we were able to work through more structured decision-making, establish conflict resolution approaches, explore strategic planning approaches, and revamp the structure of the organization,” Natasha said. “We were able to document roles and responsibilities, which I hope will continue to be revised to meet the needs of the organization as it evolves. I feel so honored that you all trusted me to help co-create a new structure and build BLUU to be ready for its next iteration. ”
Natasha Walker joined BLUU at a crucial time in the organization’s history, a time when long-term strategic discernment was a major part of the board’s work.
“It has been a real pleasure working with Natasha during her time with BLUU,” said Rev. Mykal Slack, BLUU’s Community Minister for Worship and Spiritual Care. “Her ability to help us stay focused on a solid vision for our organizational restructure, as well as her work behind the scenes to support us in our various roles, was truly stunning to witness and a real testament to her love for BLUU and Black people in our movement. I came to know her as a brilliant and committed worker, an amazing parent, and a good friend, and I am grateful.”
While Natasha may have departed BLUU, she will still seek opportunities to invest in spiritual care.
“My experience at BLUU has revealed that my capacity to sit in spiritual ambiguity and hold space is larger than I’d thought,” Natasha said. “It has inspired me to delve deeper and I’ve begun a spiritual direction program at Meadville Lombard to further develop my skillset and better discern where I might continue to grow while making an impact.”
Whether she focuses on spiritual direction or investing more in governance, Natasha’s leadership made a major impression with OCB members.
“Natasha has always been very grounded and clear,” said OCB member Carla Gates. “She gave me a clear vision of what BLUU is trying to do and how we operate. I will always appreciate her clarity and love.”
While Natasha won’t be on the OCB, she will stay in BLUU community as a Beloved where she says she’ll be “cheering the OCB on from a distance.”
“These are difficult times and there are many forces driving us to isolate,” Natasha said. “Actively engaging and living into our community is an act of self-love and ensures the resources and relationships are available for those that need them most, right now and in the future.”
