What's Happening?
Zoë Stemm-Calderon has been appointed as the new executive director of the Raikes Foundation, a philanthropic organization founded by Jeff and Tricia Raikes in 2002. The foundation, known for its focus
on youth wellbeing and public education, has distributed $201 million since its inception. Stemm-Calderon, who has been with the foundation for a decade, aims to continue its mission of supporting young people and strengthening civic infrastructure. Her background includes roles in education and philanthropy, including a fellowship at the Gates Foundation. The Raikes Foundation plans to spend down its funds over the next 15 years, emphasizing urgent philanthropic action to address issues like political polarization and climate change.
Why It's Important?
The appointment of Zoë Stemm-Calderon as executive director signifies a continued commitment to addressing systemic issues affecting youth and education in the U.S. The Raikes Foundation's approach to 'giving in time' rather than establishing a perpetual institution highlights a strategic focus on immediate impact. This decision could influence other philanthropic organizations to adopt similar strategies, potentially accelerating efforts to tackle pressing societal challenges. The foundation's work in public education and youth homelessness is particularly significant as it addresses critical areas that affect future generations and societal stability.
What's Next?
Under Stemm-Calderon's leadership, the Raikes Foundation will likely continue to focus on its core areas, including public education and youth homelessness. The foundation plans to launch a fund to accelerate progress in preventing youth homelessness in Washington State, with the goal of making it the first state to irreversibly prevent youth homelessness. Additionally, the foundation will explore how to redesign the public education system to be more equitable and future-ready, particularly in the context of technological advancements like AI. These initiatives will require collaboration with other funders and stakeholders to maximize impact.
