Jean Westrick

How long have you worked in the philanthropic and/or PhilTech sector? What drew you to it?

I’ve worked in philanthropy for over two decades and in philanthropy technology for nearly a decade. My first role in a grantmaking organization was with The Joyce Foundation here in Chicago where I have called home for the past 24 years. Prior to my current role, I spent 10 years at the Chicago Community Trust, one of the oldest community foundations in the world.

I was drawn to this sector because it sits at the intersection of purpose and possibility. The power of “hope” and optimism that is central to the mission of philanthropy is what drew me in: the belief that we can do better. Philanthropy is fundamentally about stewarding resources in service of the public good—and technology, when used thoughtfully, is a force multiplier for that work.

I have had the privilege of serving many roles within grantmaking organizations, from the programmatic to the operational and strategic. I saw how operational systems, data practices, and digital tools are too often treated as back-office necessities rather than strategic assets and enablers for mission. In my current role as President and CEO of the Technology Association of Grantmakers, I was drawn to the opportunity to elevate that conversation. It brings me great satisfaction to help organizations see how we use technology in a manner that reflects our values, and that strong, equitable tech infrastructure is essential to impact.

What does it mean to you to be a female in a leadership role?

For me, leadership not about authority: it’s about stewardship. If I am doing my job right, I am making room for my entire team to shine and “lead in their lane.” I carry a deep awareness of responsibility as a woman in power to create space, model integrity, listen well, and make decisions that center around fairness and justice. It is a privilege to be in this role, and I take my responsibilities very serious.

As a woman leader, I must hold strategy and empathy in the same hand – we have a job to do but we are human, and I want to be the kind of leader that leads with empathy. Diversity and inclusion have always been a hallmark of my career – I spent numerous years working on STEM education to ensure more young women and people of color could pursue their dreams in an environment that welcomed and celebrated their contributions. In PhilTech, like the tech sector generally, historically roles have been shaped by male-dominated culture. However, I believe the lived experiences of women bring a critical lens around inclusion, risk, governance, and human impact. We must continue to welcome diversity and create inclusive spaces because ultimately it will improve decision making and lead to greater impact.

I believe leadership is not given, it is earned. True leaders are guided with their values. And at its best, leadership is relational. I endeavor each day to lead with humility, grace for myself and others, and use my power to support people.

What’s the most meaningful experience you’ve had working with a donor, lean funder, philanthropic family, or nonprofit?

What a great question – I have had so many meaningful and incredible experiences.

For a number of years, I directed a regional effort called On the Table, a day of civic reflection and dialogue that was replicated in 35 cities across the country. Numerous local projects emerged, including “Hate Has No Home Here”, a nonpartisan community movement and viral campaign, featuring red, white, and blue signs designed to promote inclusion and denounce hate speech, bullying, and discrimination.

I also had the pleasure of leading an initiative to mark the centennial of Gwendolyn Brooks, the first African American Woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. She also created the Youth Poet Awards. Through the project, I worked closely with her only daughter and worked with numerous young poets from the Louder Than a Bomb poetry slam. It was a humbling experience to celebrate poetry in a manner that not only honored the legendary Miss Brooks’s impact but inspired a new generation of young artists to harness the power of their own voice.

Those projects stick with me, especially because philanthropy’s resources will never be enough to solve all the world’s problems, but those investments can and do have a rippling effect when we partner with community.

As more women are pursuing successful, lucrative careers and women of the Baby Boomer generation are living longer than men and inheriting vast family fortunes, how have you seen this impact the philanthropic sector?

We are witnessing a profound shift. Women controlling more wealth is not just a financial statistic — it’s a cultural and strategic turning point for philanthropy. I am also inspired to see how women philanthropists are giving – Mackenzie Scott comes to mind, obviously. Her giving has been marked with a real commitment to equity, trust-based philanthropy approaches, and community-informed solutions. This intentionality is refreshing and necessary if we want to truly empower those closest to the challenges we aim to address.

What advice would you give to the next generation of women in philanthropy and/or PhilTech?

Learn the business of philanthropy – process matters. Understand governance, finance, risk, and data — not just the programs. The more fluent you are in the infrastructure of organizations, the more influence you will have in showing how you can provide strategic value in enabling the mission.

Secondly, don’t shy away from technology. You don’t have to know how to code or have a traditional technology background. What you do need is the ability to ask really good questions, and be committed to learning. Understanding the organization’s purpose and being able to translate how digital tools shape equity, access, and power will make you invaluable.

And finally, anchor yourself in your values. The pace of change (especially around AI and digital transformation) can feel relentless, destabilizing and overwhelming. However, speed without grounding is risk. There is no need to chase every shiny object. Your clarity of purpose should be your compass. Stay laser-focused on the mission as your “north star” and the rest will fall into place.

How can women support other women in their organizations?

I have tried to be a cheerleader and coach young women honestly and provide support, so that they can develop their own path confidently. We must create psychological safety, so women can take risks and stretch into leadership. However, I think it is more than mentorship – you must also be prepared to sponsor other women, too. Use your voice in rooms where others are not present. Share credit generously. Finally, normalize conversations about compensation and advancement.

What is your favorite book, podcast, or product from women creators?

Two books that come to mind are the Bread of Angels by Patti Smith, which I read over the holiday break, and A Moveable Feast, Ernest Hemingway’s posthumously published memoir about his years as a struggling writer in 1920s Paris. In both memoirs, they share what it means to be an artist and a creator: the struggle, the journey, and magic of creation. This really resonated with me as an artist. It is, of course, the one job that doesn’t give you a uniform or a title: you must claim the role of being an artist yourself. In that way it is much like being a leader. A title doesn’t make you one. You earn it and take on that role through your own grit and commitment to purpose.

Finally, we had Brooking’s scholar Nicol Turner Lee, author of Digitally Invisible, at TAG’s annual conference in 2025. Her passion and commitment to ensuring that all people benefit from technology was incredibly inspiring. She began her career in digital equity in Chicago about the same time I was in college. It isn’t ancient history, but a reminder of how much more we must overcome. I’m continually inspired by women thought leaders, like Dr. Lee, AI ethicist Dr. Timnit Gebru, and others who are shaping conversations about ethics, democracy, and digital justice. Their work reinforces that technology must remain human-centered.

Have you had any female role models that have inspired you throughout your career?

Yes — many. I’ve been inspired by women who lead with conviction and calm, who are strategic without losing compassion. Some were formal mentors; others were peers who modeled courage in difficult decisions. What I admire most are women who expand the table rather than guard their seat. Those who see leadership not as scarcity, but as shared responsibility. They were generous with their time and honest with their advice. Their example reminds me that the legacy we leave is not just in programs built or revenue raised, but in the leaders we helped shape.

We’d like to thank Jean for sharing her story with us! Be sure to keep an eye out for more inspiring interviews with other women leaders throughout this month.

Want to learn more about the ways we support charitable giving?

We have a full range of tech-enabled charitable giving solutions to serve your unique needs. To learn more, schedule a call with us or reach us at 800-839-0054. Together, let’s #begiving.