Pushing The Diversity And Inclusion Needle: Miki Woodard

Michelynn “Miki” Woodard served as President and CEO of Texas Women’s Foundation. A 25-year business and social- impact veteran, she is a respected national voice who has dedicated her career to championing equity, cultural diversity and social justice.

As the leader of one of the largest women’s funds in the world, Miki works alongside a talented group of multicultural and multigenerational leaders to drive Texas Women’s Foundation’s enduring focus on its mission – to raise funds for statewide research, advocacy and grantmaking to unlock economic and leadership opportunities for Texas women and girls. Since its founding 37 years ago, the organization has awarded $57 million in grants and programs, including $43 million since 2011. In addition, the Foundation’s assets of over $40 million are invested in its innovative 100% mission-aligned gendered portfolio providing both financial returns and social benefits to women and girls.

Miki brings to her role at Texas Women’s Foundation a long history of working across industries and geographies leading multimillion-dollar equity, cultural diversity and social justice impact investments, philanthropic programs and advocacy initiatives. Most recently, she served as Head of Social Impact, Diversity and Inclusion for Bad Robot Productions, Inc., and Senior Advisor of the Katie McGrath and J.J. Abrams Family Foundation.

In 2016, Miki co-founded The Artemis Agency, one of the first 100% women-led social impact agencies, partnering with high-profile celebrities and influencers to execute sustainable social impact strategies and social change initiatives. Prior to that, she was President and CEO of the multimillion-dollar non-profit charitable foundations of two high-profile television celebrities, where she led national programs and advocacy efforts benefitting children and families.

During her tenure as Vice President, Philanthropy at JCPenney, Miki managed a $30 million global corporate giving portfolio and oversaw disaster relief, volunteer programs, grant administration, employee hardships, corporate sustainability, and military affairs. Before that, she served as Managing Director for Be the Change, Inc., organizing coalitions of non-profits, social entrepreneurs, policymakers, private sector leaders, academics and citizens to address national issues. Miki began her career as an executive with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), working as a philanthropic advisor to prominent celebrity clients.

A passionate philanthropist and volunteer, Miki is a board member for the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Community Coalition, Dallas Regional Chamber and The Challenger Foundation. She is a founding board member of The Papa John’s Foundation and sits on the Trust for Public Land (TPL) Black History and Culture Advisory Board. In addition, she is a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council, International Women’s Forum and Chief, where she is part of a community of c-suite leaders.

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