Irvine Program Officer Cheng Ung Reflects on Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month May 15, 2023 The Irvine Foundation is fortunate to have talented staff with diverse backgrounds and life experiences, and we want to introduce some of our colleagues to you. We spoke with Cheng Ung, Irvine’s Program Officer, about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, her family’s experience as refugees, the impact of community support, and reimagining philanthropy’s … Continue reading Irvine Program Officer Cheng Ung Reflects on Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Making the workforce system work for more Californians May 11, 2023 Oscar Wilde reportedly quipped, “Life is too short to learn German.” Considering there are 16 options for the word “the,” it’s hard to argue otherwise (or so I tell myself given that I can barely read a menu written in German despite having lived in the country throughout high school). In my five years of … Continue reading Making the workforce system work for more Californians
Irvine’s Office Coordinator Shavonda McCaleb Honors Deaf History Month April 14, 2023 The Irvine Foundation is fortunate to have talented staff with diverse backgrounds and life experiences, and we want to introduce some of our colleagues to you. We spoke with Shavonda McCaleb, Irvine's Office Coordinator, about National Deaf History Month, her experience raising a daughter who is deaf and the importance of advocacy and celebrating the … Continue reading Irvine’s Office Coordinator Shavonda McCaleb Honors Deaf History Month
Our 2023 Portfolio Review March 31, 2023 Our Board of Directors met last week to reflect on the state of our state, our strategy, and its impact toward our North Star goal: a California where all low-income workers have the power to advance economically. Our annual Portfolio Review is one tool we used for that discussion — and for transparency and accountability … Continue reading Our 2023 Portfolio Review
The James Irvine Foundation Board of Directors approves $186.5 million to expand its Fair Work initiative over the next seven years March 27, 2023 The board also approved $9.4 million in grants The James Irvine Foundation Board of Directors approved $186.5 million in additional grantmaking through 2030 for its Fair Work initiative, an expansion of grant making that began in 2018 to “raise the floor” for workers in low-wage industries in California, by improving enforcement of federal and … Continue reading The James Irvine Foundation Board of Directors approves $186.5 million to expand its Fair Work initiative over the next seven years
Commemorating International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month with Irvine Managing Director of Investments Melissa Lopez March 8, 2023 The Irvine Foundation is fortunate to have talented staff with diverse backgrounds and life experiences, and we want to introduce some of our colleagues to you. We spoke with Managing Director of Investments Melissa Lopez about her beginnings in philanthropy, her "women's agenda" and the inequities in the finance industry, and the importance of self-examination … Continue reading Commemorating International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month with Irvine Managing Director of Investments Melissa Lopez
Honoring Black History Month with Irvine grantee partners February 28, 2023 Black History Month is a chance to recognize the leadership and contributions, across generations, of Black changemakers while also acknowledging that deeply rooted racism and classism continue to disproportionately impact Black communities. For decades, Black changemakers have advocated for racial, economic, and gender equity for all and these efforts have shaped today’s movements and leaders. … Continue reading Honoring Black History Month with Irvine grantee partners
Meet the 2023 Leadership Award Recipients February 13, 2023 Today is one of my favorite days of the year — when we announce the outstanding recipients of our Leadership Awards and celebrate them with you. For more than a decade, The James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards have recognized leaders with a commitment to innovation and a record of success in improving people’s lives, creating … Continue reading Meet the 2023 Leadership Award Recipients
Meet Tim Rios, Irvine’s new board Chair January 23, 2023 California faces serious challenges, including unsustainable income inequality, climate disasters, a lack of affordable housing, persistent and pernicious racism, and the list goes on. Fortunately, there are also signs of progress and new opportunities on the horizon for creating a more resilient and inclusive California. As I contemplate the work — and opportunities — ahead, … Continue reading Meet Tim Rios, Irvine’s new board Chair
Entering 2023 with optimism and gratitude January 9, 2023 I have mixed emotions as I reflect on 2022 and look toward 2023. What keeps me awake at night are the serious challenges facing California, particularly those robbing millions of low-paid workers of access to the California Dream. We face an unpredictable economy, the existential threat of changing climate, and efforts to undermine civil society … Continue reading Entering 2023 with optimism and gratitude