Cecilia Conrad, Norwegian economist and academic
Cecilia Ann Conrad, born on January 4, 1955, is a distinguished leader in philanthropy and academia, renowned for her impactful contributions across various prestigious institutions. Her career seamlessly blends deep economic expertise with a commitment to addressing systemic societal challenges through strategic philanthropic initiatives.
Leadership at Lever for Change
Currently, Ms. Conrad serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Lever for Change. This innovative affiliate of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is dedicated to unlocking significant philanthropic capital and accelerating social impact. Lever for Change acts as a vital bridge, connecting donors with high-impact solutions to some of the world's most critical problems. Through its robust open calls for proposals and rigorous evaluation processes, Lever for Change helps philanthropists identify and fund vetted, scalable initiatives, ensuring that substantial investments lead to measurable and transformative change globally.
Influential Roles at the MacArthur Foundation
In addition to her role at Lever for Change, Cecilia Ann Conrad holds the significant position of Managing Director at the venerable John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The MacArthur Foundation is one of the largest private philanthropic organizations in the United States, renowned for supporting creative people and effective institutions across a broad spectrum of fields to build a more just, verdant, and peaceful world.
Within the Foundation, Ms. Conrad's oversight extends to two of its most celebrated and impactful programs:
- MacArthur Fellows Program: Often referred to as "genius grants," this program awards unrestricted grants to exceptionally talented individuals across diverse fields. These fellowships provide recipients with the freedom to pursue their own creative, intellectual, and professional inclinations, fostering groundbreaking work and fostering societal advancement. Ms. Conrad plays a pivotal role in guiding this program, ensuring its continued legacy of identifying and nurturing extraordinary originality and self-direction.
- 100&Change Program: This ambitious initiative is a global competition for a single $100 million grant to fund a bold, evidence-based solution to a critical problem affecting people, places, or the planet. Ms. Conrad’s leadership in 100&Change underscores her commitment to catalyzing transformative change by identifying and scaling high-impact solutions to some of humanity's most pressing challenges, from public health to climate change.
Academic Contributions and Research Focus
Prior to her distinguished philanthropic career, Cecilia Ann Conrad established herself as a prominent academic. She holds the esteemed title of Emeritus Professor of Economics at Pomona College, a highly selective liberal arts institution in Claremont, California. Her "emeritus" status signifies her distinguished service and continued association with the college even after her active teaching tenure.
Her academic leadership at Pomona College also included serving as the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. In this administrative role, she was instrumental in shaping the college's academic policies, curricula, and faculty development, contributing significantly to its reputation for academic excellence.
Dr. Conrad's research is deeply focused on the critical topic of the effects of race and gender on economic status. Her scholarly work provides invaluable insights into systemic inequalities, examining how racial and gender disparities manifest in economic outcomes. This research is vital for informing policy, developing interventions, and promoting equitable opportunities, aligning seamlessly with her philanthropic endeavors to foster a more inclusive and just society.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cecilia Ann Conrad
- Who is Cecilia Ann Conrad?
- Cecilia Ann Conrad is a highly accomplished leader in philanthropy and academia, currently serving as the CEO of Lever for Change and Managing Director of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. She is also an Emeritus Professor of Economics at Pomona College.
- What is Lever for Change?
- Lever for Change is an affiliate of the MacArthur Foundation that helps donors find and fund solutions to critical problems by running philanthropic challenges and vetting high-impact initiatives.
- What programs does she oversee at the MacArthur Foundation?
- At the MacArthur Foundation, she oversees both the renowned MacArthur Fellows Program (the "genius grants") and the ambitious 100&Change program, which awards a $100 million grant for a single, impactful solution to a global problem.
- What is the focus of her academic research?
- Her academic research critically examines the effects of race and gender on economic status, contributing to a deeper understanding of economic inequalities and informing strategies for promoting equitable outcomes.