Thank you from Grace

Today is my last day as president of Woods Fund Chicago; I begin as Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services on Monday.

Thank you for an inspirational, educational, and exciting seven years; it has been life-changing.  I have enjoyed and feel deeply privileged to have had the opportunity to serve as president of this magical, amazing foundation.  I am proud of what we have accomplished, learned, and changed together, knowing very well that it has only been possible because of the strong historical foundation of Woods and its remarkable staff, board, and grantees - past and present.

Philanthropy is a complicated sector, vulnerable to hubris and prone to either maintenance of the status quo or swings of unpredictable change.  It has the power to filibuster progress, but it also has the potential to re-write narratives that can transform.

Philanthropy can also overwhelm you with privilege, if you allow it.  We, at Woods Fund, have worked every day consciously to fight against that.  We remind ourselves of our responsibility to live up to our organizational values and remember that real transformative power lies in communities, in our grantees and their leaders; they are the experts. 

Philanthropy is also about hope - a hope that better is possible.  This hope is why I was drawn to Woods, and why I am now drawn back to public service.  I do believe that with Governor JB Pritzker's leadership - better is possible for our state.  I am honored to have been called to serve the people of Illinois to make better a reality for all the residents of Illinois.

Thank you for sharing your lives with me.  Thank you for sharing your stories with me.  Thank you for inspiring me with your passion and fight for justice.  Thank you for inviting me so freely  into your lives and confidences.  Thank you for making me better equipped to fight for justice on a different plane.

Thank you to Congressman Chuy Garcia, Patrick Sheahan, Amina Dickerson, and Ric Estrada for your leadership of the board during my tenure and for your support and care for me.  Finally,  deep appreciation for the six wonder women who I have been so lucky to work with: Suzanne, Deborah, Hina, Caronina, Alejandra, and Jaye.

More to come...

Grace