Teresa Younger Departs Ms. Foundation, Leaving Legacy of Intersectionality

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, March 16th 2026 at 23:30 GMT by Seattle Times
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Teresa Younger's Legacy: A Decade of Intersectionality and the Future of Gender & Racial Justice

Teresa Younger, the outgoing CEO of the Ms. Foundation for Women, is preparing to conclude a transformative decade of leadership. Her departure isn't simply a change in management, but a moment for reflection on the evolving landscape of gender and racial equality, the strategies that have proven effective, and the urgent challenges that remain. Younger's tenure has been defined by a staunch commitment to intersectionality - the understanding that social categorizations like race, class, and gender create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage - and a fundamental shift in how philanthropic resources are deployed.

Founded in 1973 by the publishers of Ms. magazine, the Ms. Foundation has always been at the vanguard of feminist activism. However, under Younger's guidance, the organization has deepened its focus on empowering grassroots organizations led by women of color. This wasn't merely a matter of expanding inclusivity; it was a strategic recognition that these communities possess unique insights and lived experiences crucial to addressing complex social issues. Younger consistently emphasized that true progress requires centering the voices of those most affected by systemic inequalities.

"I've learned a lot about how intertwined gender justice and racial justice are," Younger stated in a recent interview. "You can't truly address one without addressing the other." This principle shaped the foundation's grant-making and programmatic work, leading to increased funding for initiatives tackling issues like reproductive justice, economic security, and freedom from gender-based violence - all viewed through an intersectional lens. For example, the foundation's support for Black-led reproductive justice organizations acknowledged the specific barriers Black women face in accessing healthcare and making autonomous decisions about their bodies. Similarly, initiatives aimed at closing the racial wealth gap often included components addressing gender-based pay disparities.

The shift towards a "distributed approach" is perhaps one of Younger's most significant legacies. Historically, many foundations operated with a top-down model, dictating priorities and solutions. Younger championed a different philosophy: trusting those closest to the issues to identify and implement the most effective strategies. This meant moving away from large, centralized grants towards smaller, more flexible funding that empowered local activists and organizations. It also involved providing capacity-building support, such as leadership development and organizational strengthening, to ensure these groups could thrive.

This shift wasn't without its challenges. Some critics questioned whether a distributed model could achieve the same scale of impact as larger, more centralized initiatives. Younger countered that sustainable change is built from the ground up, and that empowering local leaders fosters greater ownership and accountability. She often pointed to the success of grassroots movements in driving policy changes and raising awareness about critical issues.

Younger's departure coincides with a period of significant upheaval and uncertainty. The overturning of Roe v. Wade has dramatically curtailed reproductive rights in many states, while economic inequality continues to widen, and systemic racism persists despite decades of activism. These setbacks underscore the fragility of progress and the need for continued vigilance. The ongoing attacks on voting rights, particularly targeting communities of color, further complicate the landscape.

Despite these challenges, Younger remains optimistic. She believes the next generation of leaders - particularly young women of color - are poised to accelerate the fight for equality. "I'm incredibly excited about the young people who are stepping up to lead this fight," she shared. "They're bringing new energy, new ideas, and a renewed sense of urgency." This generation, raised in the digital age, is leveraging social media and technology to mobilize support, build coalitions, and amplify marginalized voices.

The Ms. Foundation's search for Younger's successor is underway, and the organization is committed to continuing its vital work. The next CEO will inherit a strong foundation built on principles of intersectionality, grassroots empowerment, and unwavering commitment to social justice. The critical task will be to navigate the evolving political landscape, adapt to new challenges, and ensure the foundation remains a powerful force for change. The future of the women's movement, and the pursuit of true equality for all, depends on it.