Via: My Sweet Charity
By: Jeanne Prejean
Since May 2021, the Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) Chair Hilda Galvan along with Board Members Cheryl Alston and Cynt Marshall led a national search to succeed TXWF President/CEO Roslyn Dawson Thompson, who had announced her retirement on May 13, 2021.
Today it was announced that the search had resulted in the naming of “25-year business and social-impact veteran Michelynn ‘Miki’ Woodard” to take over the reins of “one of the largest women’s funds in the world.”
MIKI WOODARD AND HILDA GALVAN*
According to Hilda, “We selected Miki based on her proven success working with large global enterprises, high[1]profile celebrities and influencers to catalyze transformational social change through sustainable philanthropy, impact investments and programs. Miki’s leadership skills, respected national voice and powerful relationships in Texas and beyond – not to mention her lifelong passion for advancing cultural diversity and social justice – make her the ideal person to lead TXWF well into the future.
“Throughout the search process, candidates were evaluated against a number of essential competencies, from proven managerial and operational know-how to strategic leadership and fundraising expertise to communications and relationship-building savvy. We also sought someone who shared our passion for gender and racial equity, and who aligned with our organization’s values of integrity, intentionality and inclusivity. Miki captures everything we were hoping to find in Texas Women’s Foundation’s next leader.”
Miki’s resume reveals her experience encompasses a variety of “industries and geographies leading multimillion-dollar equity, cultural diversity and social justice impact investments, philanthropic programs and advocacy initiatives.”
Prior to accepting her new role, Miki served as “president of social impact, diversity, inclusion and culture for Bad Robot Productions Inc., and senior advisor of the Katie McGrath and J.J. Abrams Family Foundation.”
Miki is right at home dealing with leaders in the business and non-profit world, having “established one of the first 100% women-led social impact agencies, partnering with high-profile celebrities and influencers to execute sustainable social impact strategies and social change initiatives.”
Along the way she has been “CEO for the multimillion-dollar non-profit charitable foundations of two high-profile television celebrities, where she led national programs and advocacy efforts benefiting children and families.”
In the corporate world, she managed JCPenney’s $30M global corporate giving portfolio as VP of the company’s philanthropy, in addition to serving as managing director for Be the Change Inc., organizing coalitions of non-profits, social entrepreneurs, policymakers, private sector leaders, academics and citizens to address national issues.
According to Miki, “Following the global health, economic and social crises of the past two years, Texas Women’s Foundation’s work is more vital than ever. I look forward to working with the talented Board, volunteers, partners and staff, as well as with devoted and generous donors, to continue the rich legacy of propelling social and economic change, empowering women and girls to build stronger, more equitable communities throughout Texas.”
MIKI WOODARD AND ROSLYN DAWSON THOMPSON*
After leading and growing TXWF dramatically over a decade, Ros described her successor this way: “I could not be more excited for the future of Texas Women’s Foundation under Miki’s leadership. She brings the skills, the expertise and the passion to truly catapult TXWF into a new era of leading significant social change and creating systemic impact.”
While Ros’ last day will be Monday, January 31, she will continue to serve as “an ongoing resource” for Miki, who officially starts Tuesday, February 1.
BTW, if you’re attending TXWF’s Leadership Forum and Awards Celebration on Tuesday, April 26, at Omni Dallas Hotel, make sure to say “Hi!” to Miki.