Teresa C. Younger is an activist, advocate, renowned public speaker, organizational strategist, and a proven leader in the philanthropic and policy sectors. Having spent 30 years on the frontlines of some of the most critical battles for comprehensive equity and the elimination of institutionalized oppression, for just over a decade she has served as the President and CEO of the Ms. Foundation for Women. She is the longest serving CEO of color and second longest serving CEO in Ms.’ over 50 year herstory.
Prior to joining the Ms. Foundation for Women, Younger served as the executive director of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Permanent Commission on the Status of Women and as executive director of the ACLU of Connecticut — the first African American and first woman to hold that position. Younger is a thought leader at the critical intersections of gender and race. Within the philanthropic sector, she has worked on initiatives to shape and change the narrative of women and girls, including Women’s Funding Network, Grantmakers for Girls of Color, Philanthropy New York, Black Girl Freedom Fund and Funders for Reproductive Equity. She was named one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Philanthropy” and to the “Top 100 Leaders in Philanthropy” by Inside Philanthropy.
Additionally, Younger serves on a number of boards including the Ethel Walker School, Equal Justice Works and Hedgebrook.
Younger is a graduate of the University of North Dakota, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters in Humanities from the University of New Haven, and was inducted into the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame. She is also a proud lifetime Girl Scout and Gold Award recipient.
