A message from our CEO: It’s time to meet the moment

As we closed out 2020 – a year when our country was ravaged by the pandemic and the amplification of racial inequity and unrest – I thought the Kauffman Foundation’s refrain to “rebuild better” couldn’t be more timely or important. 

Then last week happened.

Like so many Americans, I watched in horror and sadness at the attack on our nation’s Capitol to disrupt the certification of electoral votes, a hallmark of our democracy and peaceful transition of power.

The failed insurrection and the deaths it caused should make every person reflect on why it happened and how we prevent anything like it from happening again.

With the New Year comes new hope. But there is still great uncertainty in our country. COVID-19 rages on, as vaccinations roll out more slowly than expected. The nation hurts from racial tragedies reminding us of the urgency to work toward equity each day.

Our communities, including our elected officials, corporate leaders, and philanthropic leaders, need to work together on these generationally-defining issues.

For its part, our foundation will continue to prioritize inclusive prosperity through a prepared workforce and entrepreneur-focused economic development. Initiatives we started several years ago, such as providing “real world learning” experiences for all students and increasing capital access for entrepreneurs of color, are needed more now than ever. 

We will continue to work alongside others to push for changes needed to dismantle the broken systems of inequity that hold too many back and that prevent America from fulfilling its promise.

Let’s make 2021 the year we meet the moment. Let’s rebuild better, together.