BLOG

Dr. Sherece West-Scantlebury, President of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, joins Chanda Smith Baker to expose philanthropy's hidden power dynamics. In a raw, unfiltered conversation, she reveals how Black women leaders strategically navigate and dismantle institutional racism, offering a masterclass in resilience, strategic resistance, and transformative leadership that challenges the very foundations of charitable giving. Inspired by the legendary Gladys Washington—who

Sherece is a leading 21st-century equity advocate. From her early beginnings as a housing advocate in New York City to leading programs at some of the most prestigious foundations in the Southeastern United States, Sherece has been relentless in her quest to increase prosperity for families striving to move out of poverty. Sherece uses every opportunity to speak life into leaders and organizations. She encourages them to use their talents to solve our country’s most urgent ch

What does it take to lead with purpose in philanthropy today? How can foundations lead in moments of political uncertainty or during periods of reduced federal support for nonprofits? As nonprofits across the country face political and financial pressures—from policy rollbacks to funding cuts—the role of foundations has never been more critical. In this episode, Dr. Sherece West-Scantlebury, President & CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, joins us to reflect on how ph

In this final episode of Season 8, you'll get a powerful, inspiring discussion on defending the nonprofit sector amid political intimidation and retrenchment, with a call to action for funders to act with courage rather than caution. The message is clear: a strong democracy depends on a strong, well-resourced nonprofit workforce, and philanthropy must choose to lead boldly in this moment.

Asking for Good Podcast Episode: What Will You Contribute to Further the Mission? (Season 4, Episode 1) Release: August 2025 Reflection on leadership, lived experience, and sustaining purpose across a long career in the social sector.

Sherece is a leading 21st-century equity advocate. From her early beginnings as a housing advocate in New York City to leading programs at some of the most prestigious foundations in the Southeastern United States, Sherece has been relentless in her quest to increase prosperity for families striving to move out of poverty. Sherece uses every opportunity to speak life into leaders and organizations. She encourages them to use their talents to solve our country’s most urgent ch

Fund the People Podcast Episode: Strong People Make Strong Organizations (Season 8 finale) Release: December 2025 Conversation on investing in nonprofit leaders and staff, sustaining organizations through people-centered philanthropy, and lessons from decades of executive leadership.

The field of philanthropy lacks diversity, and there aren’t enough Black people on foundation boards or serving as senior executives. That was the message from Susan Taylor Batten, president and CEO of ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities and one of the speakers at the annual convening of the Arkansas Black Philanthropy Collaborative. “The importance of what we call ‘affinity groups’ in the field of philanthropy is absolutely necessary, because we have to

Since the election, the media has been full of thought pieces from liberal outlets and progressive commentators critiquing the Democratic Party’s emphasis on “identity politics” and subsequent alienation of the working class. This election was indeed all about identity politics: a coded, intentional, and strategic effort orchestrated by conservatives over multiple decades. Race (Whiteness) was front and center—and the people have spoken. Now, those of us working toward the

Hello ABFE members and supporters! As we wind down the year, I am reaching out to wish each and every one of you a safe and joyous holiday season. It is almost impossible to put into words what kind of a year this has been. What I do know is that bold, courageous leadership is the only way forward, trusting that we as a people will be okay. It is with this sentiment that I chose celebration over fret as I write this message. And there is no better way to celebrate courageou

Late last month, a broad coalition of Arkansas nonprofits and donors coordinated the elimination of $35 million in medical debt for over 23,000 Arkansans. Leaders from two of the organizing groups say there is still much work to be done in this area and they hope to advance public policies addressing systemic challenges to lower-income citizens who encounter medical emergencies. Dr. Sherece West-Scantlebury, president and CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, and Abby H

For foundations, the path to achieving racial equity starts with a simple choice: Do you use your endowment to maintain the status quo, or do you align your investments with your mission? When I came to Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF) in June 2007, Chief Operating and Financial Officer Andrea Dobson shared that she wanted to transform our endowment. She envisioned aligning our mission and financial investments by increasing capital access to low-wealth communities, an

Since 2007, West-Scantlebury has guided WRF through a period of significant impact, co-founding initiatives such as Excel by 8, ForwARd Arkansas, Why AR?, and ALICE in AR (Asset-Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), while expanding opportunities for Arkansas families and communities, according to the foundation. “Sherece did not just lead WRF — she strengthened it,” said Cedric Williams, WRF board chair. “She demonstrated how philanthropy can be a powerful tool for addressi

(The R.A.C.E. Podcast — Season 3, Episode 14, 51 minutes — November 18, 2024) Dr. Sherece West‑Scantlebury joins The R.A.C.E. Podcast to...

(Conversations with Chanda – Episode 163 – 1 hr 24 min, March 18, 2025) Dr. Sherece Y. West‑Scantlebury, President of the Winthrop...

In this powerful episode, Dr. Sherece West‑Scantlebury—President & CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation—reflects on her journey...

In this timely episode, Dr. Sherece West‑Scantlebury, President & CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, joins host Julia Campbell...

As a Black woman at the helm of a philanthropic foundation in the South, Dr. West‑Scantlebury reflects on the rarity of her role—and why...

After nearly two decades as CEO, Dr. West‑Scantlebury announces her upcoming retirement from the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation. In this...

As the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation celebrates 50 years of impact, CEO Dr. Sherece West-Scantlebury reaffirms the organization’s...