Laurene Powell Jobs - Ford Foundation

Laurene Powell Jobs is founder and president of Emerson Collective. Using philanthropy, investing, storytelling, and convenings, Emerson Collective creates opportunities and develops innovative solutions to spur change in education, the environment, immigration, and health equity.

Laurene’s commitment to renewing America’s calcified social systems deepened over two decades ago with her work in education. In 1997, she founded College Track, a college completion program where she remains board chair, to address the alarming opportunity and achievement gaps among students. She is also cofounder and board chair of the XQ Institute, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to transforming the American high school. In keeping with her belief in supporting journalism as a vital civic institution, Laurene is owner and board chair of The Atlantic.

Laurene also serves on the boards of Chicago CRED, the Council on Foreign Relations, and Elemental Excelerator, where she is board chair. In addition, she is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a recipient of Stanford Graduate School of Business’ Ernest C. Arbuckle Award for managerial excellence and addressing the changing needs of society.

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