Patrice R. Green Named Director of Inclusive Economies at the Surdna Foundation 

The Surdna Foundation today announced the promotion of Patrice R. Green to Director of the Inclusive Economies Program. 

As Director, Patrice oversees a $9.2 million grantmaking portfolio, investing in strategies that expand access to quality jobs and build wealth for communities of color across the nation, and support their full participation in the economy and democracy. Much of her work focuses on strengthening the ecosystem for high-growth entrepreneurs of color. Patrice also collaborates closely with Surdna’s Impact Investing program to build a pipeline between grantmaking and investing, and she leads Surdna’s democratic participation grantmaking. 

“I’m honored to build on the legacy of the Inclusive Economies Program and to continue collaborating with our partners toward an economy that works for everyone,” said Green. “Together, we’ll show what’s possible when diverse entrepreneurs are given a fair shot and communities of color have a say in the decisions that can make or break their neighborhoods, livelihoods, and generational wealth. I’m committed to leveraging Surdna’s vision, voice, grants, and investments to get us there.” 

Patrice joined Surdna in 2018 as Program Officer for the Inclusive Economies Program and served as Interim Director for two months after her predecessor Mekaelia Davis moved to the Ballmer Group earlier this year. Grounded in the knowledge that decades of systemic racism have led to today’s major racial wealth gap in communities, Patrice has over 15 years of building innovative cross-sector partnerships that work hand-in-hand with neighborhoods, leveraging their strengths, knowledge, and solutions. 

“Patrice is the perfect person to lead the Inclusive Economies Program. She co-created the program’s strategy and has been a steady, trusted force at the Foundation for nearly five years. I’m grateful for the wealth of experience, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit that she brings to the role,” said Don Chen, president of the Surdna Foundation. “I look forward to continuing to partner with Patrice to advance racial and economic equity.” 

Learn more about Patrice’s work.