Tracy Sturdivant is a dynamic force who has built an award-winning career at the intersection of culture, gender justice, democracy, philanthropy and creative strategy.
As Ms. Foundation’s 10th President & CEO, Tracy brings decades of experience as a change agent, innovator and movement strategist. Her work over the decades has catalyzed national conversations around gender equity issues, including equal pay, paid family leave and childcare, voter participation and civic engagement.
As co-founder and CEO of The League, Tracy helped movements, philanthropy, brands, influencers, and communities connect the dots between culture, current trends, and social impact—translating big ideas into action that moves people. Under her leadership, The League collaborated with partners such as Disney, Spotify and LUSH Cosmetics—leveraging the power of our shared connections to create a more just and equitable world. Her work at the League has been awarded eight Anthem Awards and two Webby Honorees.
In 2014, she co-founded Make It Work, a national campaign that moved affordable childcare and paid family leave into America’s mainstream conversation ahead of the 2016 election. Make It Work wove together storytelling and political advocacy, using an inventive mix of tactics (from a short film produced by Issa Rae to real-life experiences at the Iowa State Fair)—earning national media attention and a Pollie Award for Best Field Campaign.
As executive director of State Voices, she raised millions of dollars to support state and local organizations engaging Americans in our democracy. Under her leadership, the network grew from six to 22 state tables and pioneered a data-driven model for year-round civic engagement work. Early in her career, she managed the Michigan philanthropic giving of Jon Stryker, focused on gender justice, LGBTQIA+ equality, and democratic participation.
Tracy has been called a “one-woman coalition” for her ability to bring people together across differences to make big ideas happen. She is a trusted voice, with long-standing and deep relationships across philanthropy and movement organizations. She has served in advisor roles to the philanthropic community, including Open Society Foundations, the Democracy Alliance, the Culture Change Fund at the Women’s Foundation of California, and the Pivotal Ventures Women of Color Design Council.
A sought-after speaker, Tracy has taken the stage at SXSW, Cannes Lions, Netroots Nation, and the Atlantic’s “Inclusion in Action” Summit, appearing alongside leaders like Secretary Hillary Clinton and Megan Rapinoe. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, the Washington Post, Fast Company, Vogue, Essence, and Ms. Magazine.
Tracy is the Founding Board Chair of Higher Heights for America, and has served on the boards of Proteus Fund, National Domestic Workers Alliance, Greenpeace, Ballot Initiative Strategy Center and New American Leaders.
