#USA #New York #Gender Justice #Ford Foundation #Fatima Goss Graves

Fatima Goss Graves Joins the Ford Foundation Board of Trustees

On October 19, 2026, the Ford Foundation announced a significant leadership move with the election of Fatima Goss Graves to its esteemed Board of Trustees. Ms. Goss Graves, who serves as the president and CEO of the National Women's Law Center, is recognized for her unwavering commitment to advancing rights and opportunities for women, particularly women of color.

Ursula Burns, Chair of the Ford Foundation Board, expressed excitement about Goss Graves's addition, stating that her strategic vision and advocacy for meaningful change make her an essential asset to the board. Burns emphasized that Goss Graves's impressive track record in the realms of law and policy stands to enhance the foundation’s vision for social change.

With a focus on gender justice, Ms. Goss Graves has spent her career tackling issues from income security and equal pay to healthcare access and protections against harassment. Her advocacy has not only highlighted crucial societal issues but has also paved the way for policy shifts that benefit communities across the nation.

Heather Gerken, president of the Ford Foundation, echoed Burns's sentiments and remarked, “Fatima possesses a sharp legal intellect and is deeply dedicated to justice. Her advocacy has broadened pathways for women and girls everywhere, particularly for those from marginalized communities. We look forward to her contributions as we navigate the next chapter of our mission.”

Goss Graves expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “It is an honor to join the Board of Trustees. I am dedicated to ensuring that every individual lives with safety and dignity, and that women have what they need to thrive.”

Her qualifications extend beyond her leadership role as she has also testified on complex policy issues at both state and federal levels and provided expert commentary on platforms like CBS, MSNBC, and NPR. Goss Graves holds degrees from UCLA and Yale Law School and has served on various boards, contributing her insights to numerous discussions on gender justice and policy.

The Ford Foundation, which has a proud history of over 90 years in social change, aims to address the inequalities that persist globally. With Goss Graves's expertise, the foundation seeks to enhance its efforts in promoting democratic values, reducing poverty, and achieving social justice.

As board members are elected for a term of six years, Goss Graves's appointment is expected to influence the foundation's grant-making strategies and bolster its governance. The current board is comprised of individuals from diverse backgrounds in academia, business, and civil society, ensuring a wide range of perspectives in their decision-making processes.

In summary, the appointment of Fatima Goss Graves marks a pivotal moment for the Ford Foundation. Her passion for advocacy and extensive experience in gender justice are set to fortify the foundation’s mission, signaling a robust commitment to fostering equitable opportunities for all individuals, especially women and girls of color, in a society still grappling with systemic challenges.