Tracy Sturdivant, the Ms. Foundation’s Next Leader, Wants to Expand the Feminist Funder’s Coalition

May 1, 2026

Tracy Sturdivant will become the new president and CEO of the Ms. Foundation, marking an unusual transition where one Black woman leader succeeds another at a financially stable major nonprofit. The organization, which is the first national philanthropy operated by and for women, has strengthened its position under outgoing leader Teresa Younger by building an endowment exceeding $100 million and focusing on women and girls of color.

Who is affected

Women and girls, particularly women and girls of color
Black-led nonprofits facing disinvestment from funders
Marginalized groups supported by the Ms. Foundation
Working women in the U.S. experiencing wage gaps and workplace disadvantages
The next generation of feminists and activists
Women dealing with economic instability, childcare, and family leave issues

What action is being taken

Tracy Sturdivant is taking over as president and CEO of the Ms. Foundation
The foundation is centering women and girls of color in its work
Conservative movements nationwide are seeking to prohibit funding for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
Men's earnings are rising faster than women's, and the gender wage gap is widening

Why it matters

This transition is significant because it represents a rare instance of successful Black women's leadership succession in the nonprofit sector at a time when many Black-led organizations are losing funding. The Ms. Foundation's financial stability and $100 million-plus endowment position it to continue advocating for gender justice during a period of increasing political opposition to diversity and inclusion efforts. The work matters urgently as wage gaps between men and women continue to widen, and working women face persistent economic disadvantages in areas like equal pay, family leave, and childcare access that affect their ability to thrive rather than merely survive.

What's next

Sturdivant plans to expand the coalition of people committed to gender justice
The foundation will engage the next generation of feminists through more modern storytelling methods
Sturdivant is considering ways to increase grantmaking around equal pay, family leave, and childcare issues
The foundation will elevate new voices like content creator Blair Imani who use platforms like viral web series to educate on race and gender issues

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint