Our Vision
A racially-just world through a racially-just geography.
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.
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."
"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."
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
