About

We are

NorthStar.

We advance intersectional racial justice, equity,

and belonging in GIS, geography, and STEM.

Our Vision

A racially-just world through a racially-just geography.

Our Mission

To Be Black

We celebrate the rich heritage and perspectives of the Black diaspora, weaving them into the very fabric of geographic innovation.

To Be Bold

We courageously challenge norms and advocate for transformative changes, prioritizing racial justice in geo-fields and beyond.

To Be Innovative

Pioneering new pathways, we merge creativity with technology to revolutionize how geography and GIS are perceived and utilized.

To show the world equitable Geo

By showcasing geo-practices and geo-practitioners that embody equity, antiracism, and the richness of the Black diaspora, we set a leading example in shaping a world where all communities benefit from just and equitable geo-solutions.

Getting It Done

NorthStar of GIS is a nonprofit organization promoting racial justice and equity through geography and GIS technology. We aim to increase Black representation in geo fields and promote equitable geographic approaches.

We Promote Equitable Geo-Practices: We seek to ensure that geo-practices account for intersecting systems of oppression like racism, sexism, and socioeconomic injustice by advocating for geospatial practices that lead to fair distributions of public and private resources.
We Promote Black Representation: We seek equitable representation of the Black diaspora at all levels in geo-fields by providing more pathways to success and removing systemic barriers.

We believe every community deserves equitable access to shade, parks, recreation, high-quality education, caring and dignified medical care, and more. Through our dual focus on equitable geo-practices and Black representation in geo-fields, we seek to improve day-to-day life for all communities.

Board of Directors

Steering the Vision

Our Board of Directors comprises influential leaders dedicated to advancing racial justice in geo-fields. With diverse expertise and a shared commitment to equity, they guide NorthStar of GIS towards impactful change, ensuring every community benefits from equitable geo-practices and representation.

Clinton G Johnson

President, Secretary

Rhesha Moreau

Treasurer

Erica Phillips

Board Member

Falon Williams

Board Member

Yolanda Richards

Board Member

Emeritus Board Members

Emeritus Board Member
Leslie Fountain
Principal, SixFifty

Our Goals

Geo Career Awareness

Social & Professional Networking

Enhance Geo Industry Talent & Offerings

Building Community Relationships

"With NorthStar, we hope more students will embrace the industry with a community of professionals that want to support and encourage their future career in GIS."

Aisha Jenkins, Leadership, NorthStar

"We want to create a space where people of African descent and allies in the field of GIS can enrich the opportunities that location intelligence brings to communities around the world."

Clinton Johnson, Founder, NorthStar

Our Program Areas

Through our Horizons, Bridge, Telescope, and Guides programs, we seek to highlight and support Black individuals and communities in their pursuit of success and equity in geography-related fields while advocating for a racially-just world through a racially-just geography.

Horizons

Event programming, such as the Black History Month Conference, Homecoming, and Black@GeoEvents which promote Black representation, equitable geo-practices, and belonging for Black geo-professionals.

Bridge

Support system, resources, and grants connecting Black geo students, professionals, and educators to opportunities in geo and support their career journeys in geo fields.

Guides

Training and consulting services to help individuals and organizations advance sustainable justice, feminism, equity, antiracism, diversity, inclusion, access, and belonging in their organizations and communities.

Telescope

Social media efforts to highlight Black geo stars (or Black people making academic, professional, and entrepreneurial strides in geo fields).

Community Partners

Blacks United In Leading Technology (BUiLT) Forward International