Mekaelia Davis Joins Ballmer Group; Patrice R. Green to Serve as Interim Director

The Surdna Foundation announced today that Inclusive Economies Program Director Mekaelia Davis is moving on to head up a new program at the Ballmer Group, a philanthropic entity that invests roughly $450 million annually in creating economic opportunity for all.

After joining the Inclusive Economies Program in 2018, Mekaelia brought vital expertise to her role as Director and advanced the team’s refreshed grantmaking strategy to foster the creation of an inclusive and equitable economy in which people of color can maximize their potential as leaders, creators, and innovators across sectors.

“It has been a privilege to serve at Surdna, supporting grantee partners who represent some of the most forward-thinking leaders in building an economy that works for all of us,” said Mekaelia. “I am grateful for the strong relationships we’ve built that have led to profound learning opportunities and measures for building an inclusive economy and informed the work of colleague funders.”

We are thrilled to share that Patrice R. Green will serve as Interim Director, carrying on the Inclusive Economies Program’s commitment to the strategies co-created with grantee partners. Program Associate Bria Graham will continue to support IE’s grantmaking, communication, and research.

“The future of the Inclusive Economies Program is bright,” Mekaelia continued. “Through our support and the steadfast work of our partners, we’ve created new initiatives and movements that have advanced inclusion and equity, and we’ve curated spaces for leaders to collaborate and unlock capital for communities of color. I am especially grateful to Surdna’s president Don Chen and the Inclusive Economies Program Committee for always believing in our work, and to my incredible team and Surdna colleagues, who consistently position our grantee partners for success and influence the field for greater impact.”

“Mekaelia is a brilliant strategist who is wholly committed to advancing economic and racial justice. Thanks to her bold and visionary leadership, our Inclusive Economies Program and team are stronger than ever,” said Don Chen, President of the Surdna Foundation. “I’m thrilled that Mekaelia will have an even bigger platform and potential for impact at the Ballmer Group. While I’ll miss working with her every day, I look forward to continuing to collaborate on realizing more just, sustainable, and thriving communities across the United States.”