Heather Gerken Named to 2026 TIME 100 Philanthropy List

Heather Gerken, who took over in November from longtime Ford Foundation president Darren Walker, believes American democracy currently faces what may be its greatest challenge yet, with concerns including both threats to the First Amendment and the sanctity of free and fair elections.

Nonetheless, the 57-year-old former Yale Law dean says she’s never been happier professionally. “Without question, it would be better not to be in the situation we are, but given the situation, I feel so lucky to be able to do this work at this incredibly important moment,” she says.

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The Ford Foundation is an independent organization working to address inequality and build a future grounded in justice. For 90 years, it has supported visionaries on the frontlines of social change worldwide, guided by its mission to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. Today, with an endowment of $16 billion, the foundation has headquarters in New York and 10 regional offices across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Learn more at www.fordfoundation.org.