Deep Listening Will Drive Impactful Change
Sloane Stephens, founder, Sloane Stephens Foundation
“Just like with investing, impact compounds over time.”
What impact do you hope to achieve with your philanthropic efforts? What are you most proud of to date?
I fully believe in the power of representation. I want to use our tennis, education, and mental health programs to introduce youth to opportunities and equip them with the self-belief that those paths will exist for them out in the world.
What is something valuable you’ve learned on your philanthropic journey?
Start where you can with what you have and grow from there! Just like with investing, impact compounds over time. I began the Sloane Stephens Foundation in 2013, so we have already seen an entire generation move from elementary school through high school, and their feedback is so valuable in evolving our programs to best serve the community's current needs.
Can you share a memorable experience from one of your initiatives?
I find graduation day very emotional, especially since most of the youth in our programs are first-generation college attendees. Their families are so proud, and you can feel the significance of this achievement. It's an honor to play a small part in that journey.
What advice do you have for individuals looking to get started with their philanthropic efforts?
Listen to the experiences of people you hope to serve and be open to pivoting based on their feedback. Their lived experiences are the most valuable data source to identify the ways your efforts can be most impactful.
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