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Ms. Foundation CEO Teresa Younger to Step Down After Decade of Leadership

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, March 17th 2026 at 1:17 GMT by KSAT
      Locales: Texas, UNITED STATES

San Antonio, TX - March 17, 2026 - As Teresa Younger prepares to step down from her role as CEO of the Ms. Foundation for Women on March 31st, a decade of transformative leadership is drawing to a close. Younger's tenure has been marked by a steadfast commitment to intersectional feminism, placing racial justice at the very heart of the fight for gender equality. Her departure isn't simply a change in leadership; it's a moment for reflection on the progress made, the challenges that remain, and the future direction of a movement vital to societal wellbeing.

When Younger assumed leadership in 2016, the landscape of philanthropic giving, and particularly funding for women's rights, was often fragmented. Issues were frequently siloed, failing to recognize the overlapping and compounding systems of oppression faced by women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women from marginalized communities. Younger fundamentally shifted the Ms. Foundation's approach, championing intersectionality not as a buzzword, but as a core operational principle.

"For too long, conversations about women's rights focused solely on the experiences of a narrow segment of the population," Younger stated in a recent interview. "We recognized that true equality requires addressing the unique barriers faced by all women, understanding that race, class, sexual orientation, disability, and immigration status all intersect to create distinct experiences of discrimination."

This commitment translated into strategic funding decisions. The Ms. Foundation, under Younger's guidance, significantly increased its investment in grassroots organizations led by and serving women of color. These weren't merely charitable donations, but long-term partnerships built on trust and a shared vision for systemic change. The Foundation recognized that those closest to the issues possessed the most effective solutions and deserved the resources to implement them.

The impact of this approach is demonstrably visible across a range of crucial areas. The Ms. Foundation's support for reproductive rights organizations has been particularly noteworthy. In an era of increasing restrictions on abortion access, the Foundation remained a vocal and consistent defender of bodily autonomy, framing reproductive freedom not just as a healthcare issue, but as a fundamental human right essential to economic and social equality. This advocacy extended beyond legal battles, encompassing support for comprehensive sex education, affordable contraception, and prenatal care.

Furthermore, the Foundation broadened its focus to include economic justice initiatives, recognizing that financial independence is critical to women's empowerment. Programs targeting wealth building, entrepreneurship, and access to fair wages were prioritized, particularly for women of color who have historically faced significant economic disparities. These programs often included skills training, mentorship opportunities, and micro-grant programs to help women launch and grow their own businesses.

The fight against gender-based violence also remained a central tenet of the Ms. Foundation's work. Funding was directed towards organizations providing direct services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as those working to prevent violence through education and advocacy. Notably, the Foundation moved beyond a purely reactive approach, investing in initiatives that address the root causes of violence, such as toxic masculinity and systemic inequalities.

Looking ahead, Younger expressed both optimism and caution. While acknowledging the progress made during her tenure, she warned against complacency. "The gains we've achieved are fragile and can be easily eroded," she emphasized. "We're seeing a backlash against progress on many fronts, and it's crucial that we remain vigilant and continue to fight for a more just and equitable world."

Her departure comes at a pivotal moment, as discussions around gender and racial justice are increasingly polarized. The next CEO will inherit a foundation deeply committed to intersectionality, but also one navigating a complex and challenging political landscape. The challenge will be to build upon Younger's legacy, adapt to evolving needs, and ensure that the Ms. Foundation continues to be a powerful force for change for generations to come. The foundation is actively searching for a successor who embodies these values and is prepared to lead the organization into its next chapter, maintaining the focus on lifting up those most marginalized while advocating for systemic change.