During my summer internship at the Julian Grace Foundation (JGF), I had the opportunity to learn more about racial injustice and inequality and play a crucial part in the fight for racial justice within my community as well as the world of philanthropy. I believe that white supremacy has been at the root of the issues of racial injustice as whiteness is constantly and consistently reinforcing anti-Blackness. White supremacy enforces the idea that White bodies are superior and emphasizes inequality. JGF is actively working to reach the goal for racial equality and justice and recognizes that for this goal to be met, it is crucial for change to start internally. I am proud that I had the opportunity to work for an organization that realizes that in order to reach racial justice, those who continue to benefit from white privilege must realize their role in this fight for racial justice.
As a first-generation college student raised in an immigrant Latinx household in a primarily White northwest suburb of Chicago, the conversations and learning opportunities I had through my time at the Julian Grace Foundation I had never previously experienced. To be a part of a work environment that allows constant reflection and discussion of not only world topics, and social issues, but incorporates check-ins regarding our personal well-being as humans, allowed me to learn about what my ideal work environment would look like. JGF provided me with the opportunity to have room to grow not only as a member of society, and as a professional, but as a human being as well.
For example, through the bi-monthly Equity Learning Community meetings, composed of JGF staff and family office staff, I was able to take part in discussions of different topics. Each meeting was led by a different staff member in which they presented on a topic important to them related to justice and equality with discussion surrounding the topic at hand, which provided the opportunity for self-reflection, thought, and growth. I was able to be part of a wonderful group of people educating one another, holding each other accountable, reflecting, and growing as humans in order to fulfill JGF’s mission to create a more just and hopeful world.
Additionally, JGF makes it a priority to provide funding and opportunities for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC)-led organizations working to serve BIPOC communities. At JGF, I learned that philanthropy as a field is not always one to possess such self-awareness about the way that white supremacy and anti-Blackness play into grantmaking processes and funding. Primarily White-led foundations and non-profit organizations, although they possess good intentions, will never truly understand on a personal and intimate level the BIPOC communities they are trying to provide aid to like other BIPOC-led foundations and non-profit organizations. Organizations that consist of BIPOC leaders can provide service and aid on a more personal and empathetic level, as often they are also a part of the communities they are serving. I was thoroughly impressed by JGF and their work because not only do they prioritize BIPOC-led organizations serving BIPOC communities, but they also truly recognize that white supremacy, white privilege, and anti-Blackness are at the root of the issue to combating racial injustice. The people who live and are actively a part of the communities affected by social injustice and inequality are the ones who possess the knowledge to combat these problems. JGF recognizes this issue and instead works to provide a voice to those who are overlooked and respects the power in BIPOC communities by working with BIPOC-led organizations.
In order to be able to execute any kind of goal it starts internally. For JGF to execute their mission flawlessly, it starts internally within the workplace. I have never had the opportunity to work in an environment where reflection, discussion, and emotional vulnerability has been highly valued. This has allowed me to realize what is important to me in a workplace and what I value as an employee and as a person. JGF has provided me with tools and knowledge that have allowed me to better understand social equity and what it means for me as a person who is actively involved and dedicated to social justice movements.