We are pleased to share that Kwame Anku and Gordon Fowler have been elected to our Board of Directors.
“I am thrilled to welcome Kwame and Gordon to the Foundation, both of whom have demonstrated superlative personal and professional commitments to our community,” said Kathy McKim, Chair of our Board. “At the Foundation, we believe in the power of collaboration and generosity to drive positive change. So do Kwame and Gordon. Their unique perspectives will enrich our work, and their leadership will help guide our region toward a brighter future.”
The professional successes of the newly elected Board members match their shared commitment to community service, highlights of which are described below.
Kwame Anku is the Founding Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of the Black Star Fund, an early-stage venture capital fund. In the past year, Anku has been recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year by The Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, one of the Top 20 Black Change Makers of 2023 by The Sacramento Bee and named One of the Top 25 Black Venture Capitalists to Watch by Pitchbook. He was also selected for the Aspen Ascend Fellowship from The Aspen Institute in 2018. Kwame entered the tech industry after the late rockstar Prince recruited him to develop his mobile app; he later served as the National Director of Strategic Development for the Prince-inspired #YesWeCode initiative. An honors graduate of Stanford University, Kwame serves on boards for North Central University, Operation iDream in Zambia, and the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State.
Gordon Fowler is the Founder and Senior Partner of 3fold Communications, an award-winning marketing and advertising agency that connects healthcare, higher education, and government clients with their customers and communities. Prior to founding 3fold Communications in 2004, Gordon worked with government, political, nonprofit, entrepreneurial start-up, and Fortune 100 companies on their internal and external communication strategies. A frequently requested speaker, Gordon travels nationally, sharing his unique insights formed over 35 years of experience. He serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of The Impact Foundry, on the Board of Directors for Community Health Works, and on the Workforce Development Advisory Board for the Health Education Council.
Since 1983, we have been the primary provider of philanthropic services to individuals, families, and businesses in El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo counties. In 2023, we awarded over $24 million in grants and scholarships. Since our inception, we have awarded over $250 million. To learn more, visit our Impact page.