The Global Strategists Association is a left-of-center networking and activist group based in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 2013 by Appreccia D. Faulkner, the group claims to promote networking, unity, and solidarity based on values of “equity” and “diversity.” ^{1 2 3 4}

Finances

During the fiscal years of 2018, 2020, and 2021; Global Strategists Association filed an IRS e-postcard that declared less than $50,000 in gross receipts during those years. ⁵

In 2021, the group received a grant from the Open Society Foundations for $100,000, allocated for general support. This grant was renewed for $150,000 in 2023. ⁶

The association lists several supporting organizations and entities on its website including the U.S. Department of State, Lyft, The University of Chicago, the Peace Corps, and the Chicago Community Trust. ¹

Organization Philosophy

The Global Strategists Association claims to promote “global citizenship” ⁴ while advocating for building relations with African American business communities within the Chicago area by promoting concepts of “racial and gender equity,” ”diversity,” and “inclusivity.”  ¹

Projects and Initiatives

As of 2024, the Global Strategists Association’s website claims it provides a fellowship program towards researching the concept of global equity. ¹

The group also claims to manage a “Global Scholars Program” focused on providing high school students with foreign exchange opportunities and leadership training. ⁴

Leadership

Appreccia Faulkner is the founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Global Strategists Association. She previously worked at BMO Harris Bank and was a contributor to the Polite On Society blog. ^{2 7}

Ted Williams is a board member of the Global Strategists Association. He is the chair of the social sciences department at Kennedy-King College where he teaches political science. He created “1619: The Journey of a People,” inspired by the controversial 1619 Project, and is a member of the state of Illinois’ Reparations Commission as of 2024. ³

1. “Home.” GSA. Accessed October 7, 2024. https://www.gsachicago.org/home.
2. “Appreccia D. Faulkner.” GSA. Accessed October 7, 2024. https://www.gsachicago.org/blank-2.
3. “Ted Williams.” GSA. Accessed October 7, 2024. https://www.gsachicago.org/blank-2-1.
4. “Events.” GSA. Accessed October 7, 2024. https://www.gsachicago.org.
5. “Global Strategists Association Inc. Nfp.” IRS.gov. Accessed October 7, 2024. https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/details/.
6. “Open Society Foundations – Awarded Grants, Scholarships, and Fellowships.” Open Society. Accessed October 7, 2024. https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/grants/past?filter_keyword=Global+Strategists+Association++&grant_id=OR2021-83244.
7. “Experience | Appreccia D. Faulkner | LinkedIn.” LinkedIn.com. Accessed October 7, 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/in/adfaulkner/details/experience/.