Q&A: Ford Foundation's leader straddles contrasting worlds

Darren Walker has experienced two sides of life — one of poverty, one of wealth.

He has often mentioned that growing up in poverty as a gay Black man in rural Texas has given him a unique perspective on his work as president of the Ford Foundation.

Since assuming the leadership of America's second-largest private foundation in 2013, Walker has steered the organization to tackle inequality — in all its forms. On Wednesday, the foundation is announcing that it will spend $420 million over the next five years to advance global gender equality and combat gender-based issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, including violence against women.

The funding, announced at the United Nations Women’s Generation Equality Forum in Paris, will also support groups that are working to strengthen workplace equality and build feminist movements.

Separately on Wednesday, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced at the forum a similar $2.1 billion commitment for gender equality.

The Associated Press spoke recently with Walker, 61, about Ford's initiative, MacKenzie Scott’s philanthropy and other matters. The interview was edited for clarity and length.

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Q: A PILLAR OF THE FORD FOUNDATION’S WORK IS COMBATING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE. HOW CAN PHILANTHROPY HELP?

A: Listen to the voices, perspectives, insights, and leadership of women who are closest to the very problems we’re seeking to solve. For too long, we haven't prioritized the community-based wisdom, the lived experience and the expertise of women in these communities. What philanthropy can do is invest in local indigenous-led organizations, organizations by women of color, African women, women of the African diaspora in Latin America and indigenous women. Work with them in true partnership.

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