Over the past 16 years I’ve dedicated myself to fulfilling the mission of the Weingart Foundation. Today, I am sharing my vision for our future and what you can expect from my leadership moving forward.

As the Foundation’s new President and C.E.O., it is an honor and a privilege to continue to serve my community and live my values at the Weingart Foundation, carrying forward our mission to partner with communities across Southern California to advance racial, social, and economic justice for all. At Weingart, we envision a Southern California where everyone has the dignity, resources, power, and self-determination to fully thrive.

I am not here to maintain the status quo.

The status quo will not bring the justice we seek. I believe philanthropy can play a crucial role in advancing racial equity and justice. This requires us to speak truthfully about our challenges, be in deep partnership with communities to advance shared solutions, and with organizations that are ensuring everyone participates.

California can, and will, lead the way in advancing racial justice, transforming systems for equitable outcomes, demonstrating what a thriving multi-racial democracy looks like.

As my tenure begins, I am excited to build on our commitment to use all our tools to support our racial justice goals. This includes continuing our flexible, unrestricted, multi-year funding to strengthen the infrastructure and resilience of our nonprofit partners, especially those working and organizing in communities of color for transformation. It also includes our efforts to align 100% of our endowment with our mission through both mission related and program related investments, how we use our voice, and more.

Grounded in our core values of courage, dignity, innovation, partnership, racial justice, respect, and trust. I am fully committed to this vision of equity and justice in Southern California. As we listen to our community partners, invest and trust deeply in their endeavors and engage in shared strategy for the long haul, we will be an example of what is possible in philanthropy and an inspiration for change.

I come from generations of Black activists who dedicated their lives to fighting for the promise of this country, ensuring that the democratic ideals of liberty, justice, and equity are realized for everyone. My career in the social sector is a continuation of that legacy. Their example grounds me in my work every day to create a better future not just for my children but for all our children for generations to come.

As the new President and C.E.O. of the Weingart Foundation I stand grounded in love for people and community with courage to act on that love, fortified by the roots of the collective struggle that brought us here and the solidarity we need to build across communities to carry us forward.

This is my legacy, this is my work, this is who I am.

I am incredibly grateful to the Weingart Foundation board, the phenomenal staff and the community who brought me to this place. Thank you.

I look forward to engaging with you in the coming months as we continue to bring our vision for an equitable Southern California into a reality for all of us.

Joanna S. Jackson