Transformative Philanthropy: Catalyzing Innovation, Inclusion, and Access

Transformative philanthropy is reshaping the education and opportunity landscape—through historic unrestricted gifts and a growing belief that leaders and communities should have the flexibility to define what’s needed most. But the gift is only the beginning. The real work is how organizations steward trust into outcomes. Moderated by Dr. Barbara Logan-Smith, with Chancellor Bonita Brown (Winston-Salem State University), Shawna Young (Camelback Ventures), and Marc Barnes (UNCF), this conversation explores how flexible capital can fuel innovation, inclusion, and access—when paired with clear strategy, strong decision-making, and transparent guardrails that protect long-term institutional strength. Designed for funders, education leaders, and ecosystem builders, this session moves beyond headlines to focus on the “after the call” moment: how leaders align boards and communities, invest in capacity, and translate transformational giving into a durable opportunity for students and the communities they serve.

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