The Black Executive Forum (BEF) is a non-profit organization committed to the recruitment and retention of Black professionals in South Florida. The Batten Fellows Program, under the direction of BEF, and named for the late Chairman/CEO of Knight-Ridder, Inc., James K. Batten, embraces Black professionals and orients them to South Florida. Batten recognized the need to develop and nurture talent, encourage talented Black professionals to remain and help shape the future of South Florida.
Since its inception in 1995, over one hundred and eighty black professionals have participated in the Batten Fellows Program. Batten Fellows represent a wide range of corporate industries, committed to the future enhancement of the South Florida Community.
BEF is the only organization in South Florida offering a Leadership Development and Relationship Building Program for Black Professionals.
Sponsor benefits include:
- Leadership Development, Team Building and Workplace Dynamics Training for:
- Executives, Managers, and Hi-potential employees
- Employees who have relocated to South Florida in the last five years
- Professional support, community involvement and networking business opportunities for:
- Executives, Managers, Hi-potential employees and new recruits
- Having a recruiting tool to attract talented Black professionals from colleges and, metropolitan areas etc.