By NPLF
August is Black Philanthropy Month, an opportunity for African American communities and their allies to reflect on and promote the power of giving to transform lives. In recognition of this global celebration, we are highlighting some of our incredible community members.
Rosalyn Carpenter is a dedicated philanthropist, healthcare executive, and community leader who has spent decades fostering positive change in our community. Rosalyn has served as the Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Community Impact Officer for CommonSpirit Health (merged health system of Catholic Health Initiative & Dignity Health) for 13 years. With a passion for reading and supporting literacy initiatives, Rosalyn brings her wealth of experience to Nashville Public Library as a recently appointed Board Member. Inspired by her granddaughters, Olivia and Elaina, and her background in community engagement, Rosalyn is committed to promoting the power of reading and ensuring that the library continues to serve as a vital resource for all.
Get to know Rosalyn and the ways she is making an impact on our community!
What inspired you to support NPLF and its mission?
My inspiration is my granddaughters: Olivia and Elaina. I collect books at airports that mention the name of the travel city and write notes to them, sharing thoughts of them while traveling heavily for work. Our favorite pastimes are puzzles and reading books together.
Is there a particular program offered by NPL that you’re especially passionate about? Why does it resonate with you?
I’m particularly passionate about the Nashville Reads program. This year’s continuing theme, Celebrating the Freedom to Read, echoes my upbringing in a home of educators. My curiosity about life is often fed through reading and then explored in various ways—whether through cooking, floral arranging, travel, or music. It all generally starts with something I read.
Share with us a fun or interesting fact about yourself that people may not know.
My love for philanthropy began as a recent college graduate from Tennessee State University and Meharry Medical College in Health Care Administration & Planning. I started volunteering and then worked for the United Way of Middle TN. There, I learned about Dr. Tommy Frist Jr.’s work to establish the Tocqueville Society, which, through its donors starting at $10,000, greatly impacted our community and inspired a national spirit of philanthropy.
I served United Way for 7 years in community engagement and grantmaking, supporting initiatives like Children & Families, the Ryan White Community AIDS Partnership, and leading our Volunteer Center, which placed over 10,000 volunteers annually. Some of my favorite experiences included helping manage the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay through Nashville, helping bring the NFL to Tennessee through Nashville YES, and supporting Success By6 under the leadership of Dr. Carolyn Baldwin Tucker.
Philanthropy has shaped my career, my understanding of community needs, and the role of leaders in building a thriving community. I later led our City’s Human Relations Commission and the Urban League of Middle TN before transitioning to corporate America in healthcare, where I’ve served as an Executive and Chief Diversity Officer for Catholic Health Initiatives for 13 years. During COVID, I returned home to Tennessee to be closer to family and work remotely. It’s an absolute pleasure to now be involved with NPL.
What’s the last book you read?
I often read cookbooks and children’s books to relax. I am currently reading Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity by Michele Norris. It’s a fascinating collection of stories where people from all over the world share their perspectives on race and identity in just six words, creating narratives of humor, harmony, discourse, and fear.
How do you personally utilize the library? Whether it’s for research, leisure reading, or attending events, we’d love to know!
My connection to the Nashville and Davidson County Library system is through service as a recently appointed Library Board Member. My son and daughter-in-law, Edwin and Christina Feagins, are frequent guests of the NPL Foundation Gala, and I look forward to supporting this event.
Thank you for being part of the NPLF community, Rosalyn!
Join Rosalyn and other NPL supporters to power literacy, life skills, and connection for all at Nashville Public Library by becoming a monthly sustainer.