December 11, 2023

Ms. Welcomes Keyanna Vann

by Keyanna Vann

Keyanna Vann (she/her) joins the Ms. Foundation as the Program Associate, Grantmaking and Capacity Building.

What brought you to the Ms. Foundation?

After primarily working with small nonprofits for about a decade, I knew that I wanted to move into another sector where I could still continue using my experience, skills, and passion for social justice to make an impact. Through my job search I saw a position posting on LinkedIn (thank you, LinkedIn!), and after speaking with the recruiter learned that it was at the Ms. Foundation. I hadn’t considered working in philanthropy, but as soon as I scrolled through the website, I knew it was a perfect match for me. I feel so fortunate to have gotten the position.

What gets you out of bed every morning?

My daughters (a fun-loving two year old and the other still baking and due in January), get me out of bed every morning in both a figurative and very literal sense (ha!)

What badass feminist/woman inspires you?

One of my favorite feminists and women is Audre Lorde. Reading Sister Outsider in college was life changing and had a significant impact on how I understand the issues of sexism, racism, ageism, homophobia, and class. As someone who has learned to find and use her voice, I’m forever inspired by her words from the Cancer Journals: “My silences had not protected me. Your silence will not protect you. But for every real word spoken, for every attempt I had ever made to speak those truths for which I am still seeking, I had made contact with other women while we examined the words to fit a world in which we all believed, bridging our differences.” 

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell myself to trust my own unique journey and timing, and know that I truly have the power to manifest all the beautiful things I want in this world.