C o n n e ct i n g w i t h lea d e r s h i p
As I think about connections, I am reminded of a quote from psychologist and philosopher, Paul Bloom. He said, “We are constituted so that simple acts of kindness, such as giving to charity or expressing gratitude, have a positive effect on our longterm moods. The key to the happy life, it seems, is the good life: a life with sustained relationships, challenging work, and connections to community.” The Foundation takes this concept to heart in all we do. In this increasingly connected world, we understand, it’s personal connections that drive us forward. It is our connections with donors that inform our grantmaking, our connections with the nonprofits that guide us to community needs and our connections to the business community that help increase the number of corporate dollars invested in Albuquerque. In a city like ours—so rich with diversity, culture and history—we know there are still uphill battles. Poverty runs deep with nine of Albuquerque’s 17 ZIP Codes showing a poverty rate greater than the national average and with some approaching two and a half times that rate. But we believe this can be a transformational time for our city. On a daily basis we can participate in changing this community by investing in it financially and by connecting with our partners who believe, as we do, that when we work together, we can achieve a more vibrant Albuquerque that provides inclusive economic opportunity for all of its residents. I have been a proud Albuquerque resident all of my life, worked in a public service capacity in this state for almost 30 years and have now been a small business-owner for nearly two decades. Through my time as Board Chair of the Foundation, I have had the honor of serving this community and seeing first-hand how philanthropy, businesses, individuals and nonprofits can create a platform for growth and prosperity. I look forward to seeing that growth and prosperity continue to materialize and for it to create opportunities for the young people in this community so that they can work and live in safe, productive and thriving communities here in Albuquerque and New Mexico. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Julie Weaks Gutierrez Chair, Board of Trustees
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