Women-Led Philanthropy Is Boldly Stepping Up to Meet the Moment: Interviews With Six Women Leaders In the Field

Brooke D. Anderson | President of Pivotal Ventures

How do you see the role of philanthropy during this time of social and economic shifts?

When I consider how philanthropy fits into our society, it’s straightforward: philanthropy exists to help save and improve lives. And philanthropy can take more risks and operate on a longer time horizon than governments and the private sector can. That allows philanthropy to respond nimbly in the short term while still taking a long view of progress and opportunity.

We don’t take risks for their own sake, though. We take them to help find a path forward—providing communities with resources so that they can find solutions that work. It is then that governments and businesses need to step up and step in.

Take caregiving, for example. To develop a more modern system that gives families the support they need, philanthropy can and should fund innovative childcare models to discover which are the most effective. Then employers can scale them up by providing high-quality benefits packages and the government can help by passing supportive policies like federal paid family medical leave. The work philanthropy funds depends on collaboration across sectors in pursuit of a common goal.

What are your organization’s priorities and approach? What is your focus and will your approach evolve to meet the current environment?

Melinda French Gates founded Pivotal, a group of organizations, in 2015 with a focus on removing barriers to women’s power. We do this through philanthropic grantmaking, but also through investments and advocacy. Our approach centers on supporting leaders and organizations who are closest to the issues we work on and who are learning, every day, what their communities need to thrive.

As we’ve witnessed the barriers to women’s power pile higher in recent months, we are more committed than ever. Our partners are telling us what is most urgent right now, and while we cannot meet every need, we are focused on being as flexible as possible so we can respond in real time. We’ve also been testing out some new models. For example, this past year, through Pivotal, Melinda gave 12 global leaders $20 million each to distribute to charitable organizations they consider to be doing urgent, impactful and innovative work to improve women’s health and well-being globally.

The truth is, however, that no one philanthropist can make change alone. A lot of my work at Pivotal involves connecting with other funders to understand areas of mutual interest, aligned goals, and how we can multiply our collective impact. We know from experience that funders can achieve far more if we work together.

How can philanthropy be used to improve the lives of women and girls globally? And what are some of the critical issues facing women and girls that need support?

Women make up half of the U.S. population, yet we are in the minority in every major position of power in our society. Ten percent of Fortune 500 CEOs. Seventeen percent of check writers in venture capital. Twenty-six percent of U.S. senators. I know from personal experience that we are a small percentage of leaders in the national security space.

When Pivotal set out to advance women’s power and influence, it was because we knew that when you have more women making decisions, it’s better for society as a whole. But the barriers to women’s power are frustratingly high.

Consider women’s health. Women spend 25 percent more of their lives in poor health than men, with severe consequences for their families and communities. Pivotal launched a global open call to support an array of organizations—of diverse geographies, sizes, perspectives, and approaches—united by their goal to improve the mental and physical health of women.

I also think about our work on caregiving. I know firsthand from taking care of my mom and dad that there is nothing more universal than care. At some point we will all be a caregiver, or need a caregiver, or both. But caregiving falls disproportionately to women. To showcase the opportunity to update the caregiving system, we supported a report that highlighted for entrepreneurs and investors how big the care market actually is: $648 billion! And that helped them understand why they should be working toward new solutions that meet more families’ needs. 

From removing barriers to women entering tech to ending violence against women, there are so many areas where philanthropy is making both problems and solutions visible and leading to real improvements in the lives of women and girls.

What is the potential of women mobilizing their wealth and resources, and why is this needed, especially right now?

It’s been really interesting to see so many women leaders and donors bringing new energy, big ideas and additional resources to the field. Women are now more likely than ever to have their own wealth to contribute—or to have influence over their family’s giving. This gives me hope because I know that, historically, women have pointed the way toward more collaborative models of philanthropy that pool resources to tackle ambitious shared agendas. Not to mention that women funders often focus on issues that others overlook. It’s inspiring to see so many new leaders stepping up. Despite the rollback of women’s rights, or maybe because of it, I am very optimistic that women philanthropists are going to play a key role in meeting this moment.

How are the recent cuts to federal funding going to impact global philanthropy for women? 

The whole ecosystem of nonprofits is being threatened and it’s getting in the way of progress. Philanthropists can’t fill every gap, but by listening to partners, identifying new opportunities and taking some risks, they can help develop new models. There are so many community-driven organizations doing amazing work, and the goal should be to make sure they can continue to deliver on their core missions.

Why is it important to have women leaders at the helm in philanthropy? What have you been seeing in terms of the growth, influence, and momentum of the global women’s funding movement?

In my career in national security, I remember being the only woman in the room many times. There were moments when it was hard to make myself heard. But when there was even one other woman around the table, it got a little easier, and soon there were two or three or four. We supported one another in ways big and small, we spoke up until others listened, and the quality of the decisions that got made in those rooms improved. That’s just a fact. When you bring in a real diversity of voices, you get smarter ideas and better outcomes.

In philanthropy, it’s been really exciting to see people from a wider range of backgrounds taking on leading roles, providing mentorship to others, and generally changing the tone of a lot of the conversations in our field. To support people in communities around the world, we need to bring in people with many different kinds of lived experience. We’re doing a better and better job of that in philanthropy—and the result is going to be more impact on more people’s lives.

What can everybody do, no matter what their level of wealth or influence, to ensure progress continues to be made across fundamental global development and equity work?

Melinda French Gates is the first to say that it’s not donors writing big checks who set the standard for generosity but everyday givers who are offering up their time, their efforts or their resources. The impulse to use what we have to take care of the people around us is some of the best of who we are.

It’s also important to be very clear that relatively modest financial contributions can make a big difference. For example, just $50 can cover transportation for a pregnant woman to and from a lifesaving doctor’s visit or six months’ worth of prenatal vitamins, both of which can make a critical difference in the health of her and her baby.

No single individual can make all the change that’s needed, no matter what resources they have. But when individuals come together, and when they commit to using the skills and resources they have to drive the change they want to see, there is no limit to what they can accomplish.

Ana Marie Argilagos | President and CEO of Hispanics in Philanthropy

How do you see the role of philanthropy during this time of social and economic shifts? 

Philanthropy must be an active force for justice—a necessary check when other systems falter. We’re living through a time when fear is being weaponized and policies are being designed to push our communities into submission. This is precisely when philanthropy should rise, not retreat. We must be courageous stewards of resources, ensuring that power flows directly to those most impacted—immigrants, Latine, Indigenous and other underrepresented communities. The philanthropic sector faces a critical choice: to shrink in uncertainty or to stand firmly in solidarity. This is not the moment to obey in advance. Philanthropy must act boldly and unapologetically to protect our democracy and invest in our collective resilience. Our communities don’t need charity or red tape—they need champions willing to fund the future they’re already building.

What are your organization’s priorities and approach? What is your focus, and will your approach evolve to meet the current environment? 

At Hispanics in Philanthropy (HIP), we are building bridges between funders and the movement leaders shaping the future on the ground. Our work centers on building, funding and fueling Latine power through connection, collaboration and accountability. 

We are intensifying our focus on donor education and convening, bringing together diverse philanthropic voices to reimagine how resources flow to our communities. We’re creating spaces for philanthropic leaders to learn directly from the communities they hope to serve—spaces grounded in equity, healing and imagination. Whether through rapid response funds, cross-border partnerships or healing-centered leadership development for philanthropic and frontline leaders, we are evolving with intention. Our focus right now is to catalyze collective action and ensure philanthropy moves at the speed of our communities’ needs. 

How can philanthropy be used to improve the lives of women and girls globally? And what are some of the critical issues facing women and girls that need support? 

Philanthropy can unlock profound change when it centers and trusts women and girls. One example is our Fondo LILAS. HIP is investing in survivor-led organizations across Latin America—groups that are tackling child sexual violence with courage, creativity, and care. These leaders aren’t just advocating for change—they are the change. From legal and psychological support to national and regional advocacy strategies, they are building networks of healing and resilience. We are backing these efforts, not as charity, but as strategy. The urgent issues—violence, displacement, systemic inequity—require us to shift from funding services to fueling movements that are already in place. 

We think philanthropy must evolve beyond traditional donor-recipient dynamics to become a true co-creator, designing funding strategies that shift power back to our communities. Our role isn’t to dictate solutions but to transform the realities of people in the way they believe it needs to be. This means relinquishing control, embracing community wisdom and funding with the understanding that those closest to the pain already hold the vision for healing. When philanthropy truly honors the leadership of women, trans and non-binary people, we don’t just address symptoms—we create the conditions for generational transformation grounded in dignity and justice.

What is the potential of women mobilizing their wealth and resources, and why is this needed, especially right now? 

When women mobilize resources, they fundamentally rewrite the rules of philanthropy. We’ve witnessed how MacKenzie Scott’s unrestricted, trust-based giving has disrupted the sector. Many Latinas, too, are stepping forward in powerful ways, directing their wealth and networks toward equity-driven solutions. Right now, that kind of leadership is so important.

This is our moment to build power with intention—and to do it together. We need more women, trans and non-binary people in leadership positions who understand that investing in care, community building and movement work is strategic. Those who can recognize interconnection, center relationships and understand that how we give matters as much as what we fund. This is our moment to model philanthropy that doesn’t just transfer wealth but transforms systems. When we lead with our whole selves, with both compassion and accountability, philanthropy becomes not just generous but truly just. 

How are the recent cuts to federal funding going to impact global philanthropy for women?

U.S. federal cuts are creating a dangerous domino effect, with many foundations pulling back rather than stepping forward. We’re witnessing equity portfolios dismantled, frontline staff let go and once-reliable funding streams disappear overnight. For organizations supporting gender equity, especially in the Global South, this creates an existential crisis precisely when their work is most critical. Philanthropy cannot afford to mirror the government’s retreat. 

These policy shifts, especially around gender equity, have created a chilling effect that extends far beyond government. Private resources have grown fearful, with many businesses retreating from commitments to gender equity. The progress we’ve seen in recent decades didn’t happen by accident—it came through the persistence of grassroots leaders who held institutions accountable. These cuts incite fear and trigger a domino effect, with companies scared of repercussions for standing with our communities. 

This is precisely when philanthropy must step forward with courage, doubling down on long-term, flexible funding that sustains organizations through uncertainty. We need to respond with solidarity and a strategic vision that recognizes women’s organizations as essential infrastructure for democracy and human rights. 

Why is it important to have women leaders at the helm in philanthropy? What have you been seeing in terms of the growth, influence, and momentum of the global women’s funding movement? 

Women lead with both empathy and strategy, understanding that care and impact aren’t opposites but essential complements. How resources move is as important as where they go. We create space for approaches that honor relationships, center healing, and build sustainable movements rather than isolated programs. 

The global women’s funding movement has been profoundly shaped by the diversity of leadership stepping forward—Black women, Indigenous women and trans women have expanded our understanding of gender equity across the globe. When women of diverse and intersectional backgrounds take up space, it gives us a better chance to understand and influence the different realities they face, recognizing that not all women experience the same vulnerabilities or oppressions. It’s not enough for a woman to occupy that space—there must be diverse representation of the multiple oppressions they experience.

Just look at the powerful grassroots Latinas pooling resources in giving circles, shifting both the metrics and methods of impact. This leadership matters profoundly because it is transforming our sector’s fundamental assumptions about power, expertise and what true progress looks like for our communities. 

What can everybody do, no matter what their level of wealth or influence, to ensure progress continues to be made across fundamental global development and equity work?

Philanthropy lives beyond financial wealth, it is also in the wisdom, courage and shared principles that we bring to create change. Each of us carries transformative power in our testimonies, in the truth of our lived experiences and in our unwavering vision for a just future. When we speak these truths with strength and clarity, we invite others to recognize their capacity to do the same. This moment calls us to turn toward each other, to remember that change has always grown from the ground up—from neighborhoods and kitchen tables to school boards and food pantries. 

Through the truest expression of “philanthropy”–a love for humanity–we recognize our inherent power and take action where we are. Advocate for equity in your workplace. Support organizations led by those closest to the issues. Participate in giving circles that pool resources for greater impact. Remember that Latine households already give more generously to charity than their white, non-Latine counterparts despite facing significant wealth gaps. 

Progress isn’t about waiting for someone with more resources or influence—it’s about recognizing the philanthropy that’s already happening in our communities and amplifying it. The future we envision requires all of us to see ourselves as the philanthropists we already are, showing up for one another with both fierce love and strategic vision.

Sarah Haacke Byrd | CEO of Women Moving Millions

How do you see the role of philanthropy during this time of social and economic shifts? 

Last year, Ford Foundation President Darren Walker wrote a piece I’ve returned to often. In it, he observed that we live in a time when bold leadership is too often penalized rather than celebrated—and he called for “bold, undaunted, audacious leadership.” 

As democratic norms erode and our civic fabric frays, philanthropy must rise to meet this moment with moral clarity, courage and conviction. This is not a time for complacency. Around the world, we are witnessing increasing restrictions on freedom of expression, growing political and economic polarization and deepening threats to the very systems that uphold human rights and gender equity. These shifts are not abstract—they are reshaping the lives, futures and freedoms of millions of women and girls.

Philanthropy has both the power and responsibility to respond. At Women Moving Millions, we believe that transformative change happens when bold ideas meet shared action—we must be bold enough to move capital to this intersection. Philanthropy needs to be willing to fund courageous ideas, back movement leadership and invest in solutions that challenge the status quo. 

Throughout history, philanthropy has helped catalyze the most significant social advances, from civil rights to women’s suffrage. Today, we are again called to stand with those on the front lines of change—and the philanthropic community must answer that call with the kind of moral imagination it demands.

What are your organization’s priorities and approach? What is your focus and how will your approach evolve to meet the current environment? 

Women Moving Millions (WMM) is a global philanthropic community committed to advancing gender equality through bold investment, collective leadership and systems-level change. Our priorities center on mobilizing capital, amplifying women’s voices in philanthropy and dismantling the barriers perpetuating gender inequities. We do this by cultivating an engaged, informed and activated membership community that leads with purpose and power. In doing so, we seek to transform the landscape of philanthropy and act as a powerful catalyst in driving change.

Unprecedented times fuel our ambition to do more, and WMM is evolving to meet the moment with urgency and ambition. Surpassing the mobilization of $1 billion for women and girls in 2023 is a testament to the strength of our collective efforts. But we’re not stopping here. The moment calls upon us to continue to work relentlessly, unapologetically and collaboratively to move capital and challenge the status quo to remove barriers based on gender. Our audacious goal: to mobilize an additional $1 billion for gender equality in our history by 2030.

As we continue to grow and adapt to the evolving landscape, we remain laser-focused on equipping our community with the tools, connections and support needed to drive lasting, systemic change. We are dedicated to cultivating strategic collaboration and building powerful networks and partnerships to scale our collective impact. We invest in storytelling and data to reframe how the world values and resources gender equality movements. In a world that urgently needs gender-lens solutions—we are here to lead that charge.

How can philanthropy be used to improve the lives of women and girls globally? And what are some of the critical issues facing women and girls that need support?

Philanthropy plays a vital role in transforming the lives of women and girls globally by providing the catalytic capital needed to dismantle systemic barriers and drive bold, lasting change. At a time when democratic institutions are declining and civic spaces are shrinking, the very foundations that support gender equality are under threat. Nearly 40% of countries—home to over 1.1 billion women and girls—are stagnating or backsliding on key gender equality indicators. The rise in economic inequality, political polarization and restrictions on fundamental freedoms are compounding these challenges.

Gender equality is not only a moral imperative—it is central to building more just, prosperous and resilient societies. Yet traditional funding streams often fall short of addressing the root causes or responding with the speed and scale required. This is where philanthropy can lead. The moment calls upon us to continue to work relentlessly, unapologetically and collaboratively to move capital and challenge the status quo to remove barriers based on gender.

Philanthropic capital is uniquely positioned to fuel innovation, take risks and invest in long-term, systemic solutions. It can be the first to fund new ideas, amplify underrepresented voices, and support movements before other forms of capital are willing or able to engage. 

At Women Moving Millions, we understand that accelerating gender equality will require many things, but most critically, it will require strategic capital and stakeholder collaboration. We are at the forefront of this effort, mobilizing resources and leadership to unlock the full potential of women and girls worldwide. We know that together, we can power a world where all women have full autonomy, freedom and agency over every aspect of their lives.

What is the potential of women mobilizing their wealth and resources, and why is this needed, especially right now?

No country is on track to achieve gender equality by 2030, an important milestone set by the United Nations, but we hold hope that progress can be made in the next decade. Fueling this hope is women’s rising economic power, representing an estimated $72 trillion opportunity to do things differently. And with an estimated $32 trillion in wealth transferring to women by 2030, women will have even greater resources at their disposal to effect change. This historic moment couldn’t come at a more critical time. Investing deeply in women’s leadership, especially right now, is the single most powerful tool we have at our disposal.

Why is it important to have women leaders at the helm in philanthropy? What have you been seeing in terms of the growth, influence, and momentum of the global women’s funding movement?

Accompanying the unprecedented wealth transfer is a dramatic shift in philanthropic approaches and leadership—a change Women Moving Millions is leading. You only need to look at the contributions of Melinda French Gates, MacKenzie Scott, Laurene Powell Jobs and the combined contributions of the WMM community to see that women’s philanthropic leadership looks different. Women are ‘flipping the script’ on philanthropy, driving the conversation around how philanthropy needs to build a new vision for how funds are distributed and to whom. 

This is more than a moment; it’s a movement. This new wave of leadership is extending beyond traditional philanthropy. Across industries—from tech and finance to healthcare, education and media—women are igniting innovation, shaping inclusive policies and leading with vision and purpose.

At Women Moving Millions, we believe the future of philanthropy depends on unleashing the full potential of women’s leadership. Through bold investments and the power of community, we’re building a more just and resilient funding movement—one that doesn’t just reflect the world as it is, but helps create the world as it should be.

Cecilia A. Conrad, Ph.D. | CEO and Founder of Lever for Change

How do you see the role of philanthropy during this time of social and economic shifts? 

Philanthropy is unlikely to be able to fill the gap left by the U.S. Government. Many donors want to help, but are uncertain about what steps to take and how to distribute the money effectively in the face of overwhelming need.

Philanthropy can help in the short run with (1) bridge funding to avert liquidity crises created by disruptions in payments and (2) funding for required professional expertise (legal, communications, cybersecurity, strategy); in the intermediate run by facilitating and supporting responsible exits, changes in business models and formal collaborations among nonprofits. Philanthropy can also work now to support the efforts to reimagine institutions and structures, including development aid and block grants, to improve their efficacy. 

What are your organization’s priorities and approach? What is your focus and will your approach evolve to meet the current environment? 

As Lever for Change sits at the intersection of donors and nonprofits, our team is trying to be a resource and partner to both by getting funds to the organizations in our network directly. We’re also brainstorming with donors about other ways in which we might work together to deploy urgent resources where they are needed most. This will require us all to be more nimble and flexible in the future.

We are working first with the organizations in our Bold Solutions Network (BSN)—organizations that were finalists or grantees in one of our open calls. We have adjusted our learning and funding opportunities for BSN members to respond to this moment. 

How can philanthropy be used to improve the lives of women and girls globally? And what are some of the critical issues facing women and girls that need support?

The ability of women to exercise their full power in society is directly connected to the quality of their health. Yet, today, women experience inequities across all aspects of their health. These inequities can negatively impact their daily lives, as well as their economic prospects and prosperity, their ability to engage in their communities and their opportunities to achieve their goals. 

More than one billion women and girls around the world suffer from malnutrition. Reproductive health care is being denied in the U.S. and other countries. And globally, a woman dies in childbirth every two minutes. These are urgent issues that need to be addressed. 

We are partnering with Pivotal, a Melinda French Gates organization, on a $250 million global open call, Action for Women’s Health, that will fund organizations around the world improving women’s mental and physical health. We’ve witnessed an incredible global response to Action for Women’s Health and have received thousands of applications from teams working on various aspects to support women’s health. We’re seeing lots of great teams take innovative approaches to address these challenges, and this open call is about getting them the resources they need to scale up and reach as many people as possible. 

Women and girls’ health is one area where philanthropy can make a big difference, so we’re inviting other potential donors into the process to join us in funding some of the outstanding organizations we are identifying.

What is the potential of women mobilizing their wealth and resources, and why is this needed, especially right now?

We’re in the middle of a massive transfer of wealth that will transform the business of philanthropy. In the coming years, more women, more young people and more people of color will inherit family fortunes. I would argue that Melinda French Gates and others are at the forefront of this exciting movement. It’s definitely not your grandfather’s philanthropy! We are seeing that women are more collaborative, more generous and are willing to take action now.

How are the recent cuts to federal funding going to impact global philanthropy for women?  

We anticipate that U.S. Government funding will completely dry up in this area of work, and this withdrawal of U.S. funding will dramatically shift the landscape for global philanthropy. However, it is not just U.S. funding that has dwindled. We’re also seeing this pattern across governments that have been steadily reducing overseas development aid.

We believe there are opportunities for the global community, whether it is government foreign aid or individual private philanthropy, to shift how we continue to fund within this rapidly changing landscape. We are confident that every philanthropist and donor can find meaningful ways to support women, regardless of their geographic, topical, or population priorities.

Why is it important to have women leaders at the helm in philanthropy? What have you been seeing in terms of the growth, influence, and momentum of the global women’s funding movement?

Women’s lived experiences have historically been underrepresented in decision-making processes in philanthropy, as well as in public policy. Women leaders often prioritize issues that directly impact women and girls, including reproductive rights, economic justice, caregiving and gender-based violence, which have traditionally been overlooked and benefit society as a whole. Studies have shown that women tend to take collaborative, inclusive and community-driven approaches to giving, amplifying voices that often go unheard. Women philanthropists are more open to trust-based philanthropy and flexible funding, which redistributes power to grassroots movements and local leaders who are closest to the issues.

What can everybody do, no matter what their level of wealth or influence to ensure progress continues to be made across fundamental global development and equity work? 

At Lever for Change, we are privileged to work alongside visionary leaders and changemakers who are tackling some of the world’s biggest problems. But progress is not the sole responsibility of philanthropists or policymakers. It is a shared responsibility. And each of us— regardless of our wealth, title or platform—has a role to play. That’s why we recently added a donation tool on our website, so that anyone can go to our site, search for rigorously vetted organizations working on specific topics or issues that interest them personally and give directly to those organizations. Anyone—from foundations to community members—can go to our website and donate today. Every dollar matters, now more than ever.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Progress doesn’t hinge on one person or one solution; it comes from a chorus of committed individuals who believe that a more just, equitable world is not only possible, it’s worth working toward, together. So let’s keep showing up and pushing forward.

Asha Curran | CEO of GivingTuesday

How do you see the role of philanthropy during this time of social and economic shifts?

Philanthropy isn’t about “haves” giving to “have nots” but about recognizing that we’re all capable of so much more when we act together. This collective approach to generosity is exactly what these times demand. We have an opportunity to connect with each other instead of remaining isolated from each other. 

The role of philanthropy now must be about participation, agency and connection. The most resilient communities are those in which generosity flows freely between neighbors and across sectors. Research from our GivingTuesday Data Commons consistently shows that when everyday actions of giving—whether that’s time, skills, or financial resources—are scaled across communities, they create profound change.

What are your organization’s priorities and approach? What is your focus and will your approach evolve to meet the current environment?

GivingTuesday exists to inspire and cultivate a global culture of generosity. Our priorities center on building a movement that understands generosity as a universal value accessible to everyone. We focus on three interconnected areas: nurturing a network of leaders across the globe who are adapting GivingTuesday to their unique local contexts; uplifting efforts that make participation easy and meaningful for everyone; and using data to understand giving behaviors and amplify impact.

Our distributed, collaborative approach continues to evolve organically. We’re seeing communities redefine what giving means—it’s not just about money but about showing up for each other in deeply human ways. Our approach will continue to adapt as we learn from our global community, but our core belief remains unchanged: every small action has the potential to create meaningful change when we act together.

How can philanthropy be used to improve the lives of women and girls globally? And what are some of the critical issues facing women and girls that need support?

Throughout the GivingTuesday movement, we see grassroots women leaders around the world who generously give time, skills and financial resources to catalyze positive change in their communities. The critical issues facing women and girls—health and education access, underrepresentation in leadership, conflict—globally remain persistent and interconnected, and many crisis moments often affect women and girls first and most severely.

We have to shift from treating women as the receivers of help and instead as the problem solvers and leaders of change. When resources flow to women leading, we consistently see approaches that are more collaborative, empathetic and attuned to local contexts. This isn’t just good for women and girls—it strengthens entire communities.

What is the potential of women mobilizing their wealth and resources, and why is this needed, especially right now?

Women aren’t just participating in existing philanthropic structures, they’re creating new models of leadership that are collaborative and co-created. The potential isn’t just about the growing wealth that women control—it’s about how they’re using all their resources to catalyze positive change and build more resilient communities through generosity.

What can everybody do, no matter what their level of wealth or influence to ensure progress continues to be made across fundamental global development and equity work?

Give what you can, whether that’s time, expertise or financial resources. Perhaps most powerfully, build bridges across differences. Be active in your community. 

The greatest barriers to progress often stem from polarization and mistrust. By creating spaces for dialogue and finding common ground with those whose perspectives differ from yours, you help maintain the social connections necessary for sustainable change. The magic of generosity is that it’s never been about heroic individual efforts but about the collective power of people coming together, believing that we’re capable of so much more when we do things together. Every act of kindness has the potential to create meaningful change when we understand that generosity is generative.

Valerie Jarrett | CEO of the Obama Foundation

What are your organization’s priorities and approach?

Our mission at the Obama Foundation is to inspire, empower and connect people to change their world. We seek to build an active democratic culture where people are equipped and motivated to make change, not just at the polls or in the halls of power, but in their communities, in the places where they live, work and play.

One way we are putting that mission into action is through the Obama Presidential Center, which is set to open on Chicago’s South Side next year. Situated on 19.3 acres of the 550 acre Jackson Park, the Center will feature a world-class museum, public gathering spaces, a new branch of the Chicago Public Library, an athletic center and a variety of community spaces, including gardens, a great lawn and a playground.

The Center is set to become the world’s premier institution for developing the next generation of civic leaders across disciplines, putting the South Side on a global stage by bringing visitors from around the world to the Center. 

How can philanthropy be used to improve the lives of women and girls globally? And what are some of the critical issues facing women and girls that need support?

The Obama Foundation is doing its part to ensure that women and girls around the world are provided with the tools and resources to reach their full potential. Through our program, Girls Opportunity Alliance, we are empowering and educating adolescent girls. When girls are given the resources to overcome obstacles, amazing things start to happen: Poverty goes down, economies grow, families get stronger, babies are born healthier, and the world, by all accounts, gets better.

To date, the Girls Opportunity Alliance has supported more than 150 grassroots organizations in more than 35 countries. This funding has impacted more than 120,000 girls around the world—from providing scholarships and mentorship to funding new learning centers and school dormitories.

By addressing critical systemic issues, we will see broader, more transformative changes across our communities, driving local economies and creating a more equitable future for girls around the world.

Why is it important to have women leaders at the helm in philanthropy? What have you been seeing in terms of the growth, influence, and momentum of the global women’s funding movement?

It’s more important than ever that decision-makers include input from a wide range of people—the more voices providing input, the better the resulting decisions will be. There are numerous examples of organizations that became too insular and homogenous and suffered competitively because of a lack of perspectives. Women are half the population. It’s a competitive advantage to attract and retain them at all levels.

What can everybody do, no matter what their level of wealth or influence to ensure progress continues to be made across fundamental global development and equity work?

I believe everyone has the power to make a difference—that’s something the Obamas taught me over and over since the day we first met. In fact, President Obama once said that change only happens when ordinary people get involved, get engaged and come together to demand it. He inspired people to get involved in their communities and governments and to pick up the baton themselves and make change. 

And that is, of course, at the heart of our mission at the Obama Foundation: through education, mentorship and career development, we’re empowering rising leaders to maximize their potential and take their local impact global—no matter where they’re from.

We are all capable of being a mighty force for good, especially when we work together.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

If I could offer one bit of advice to the next generation of leaders: listen to that quiet voice inside of you. When I was younger, I thought I had it all figured out. I worked at a prestigious corporate law firm and had checked all the boxes to set myself up for a bright future. But I had to be honest with myself and realize that the work I was doing did not feel purposeful to me.

I’m thankful that I changed course and joined local government in Chicago because, over time, that quiet voice discovered my passion for advocating for those who did not have a voice—something that drives my work at the Obama Foundation every day.