Don Howard: California Dreaming of Jobs, Justice, and a Future where Everyone Thrives
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Don Howard: California Dreaming of Jobs, Justice, and a Future where Everyone Thrives
In this episode of The PlayFull Podcast, host Kristine Michie talks with Don Howard, CEO of the James Irvine Foundation, about the future of work, economic empowerment, and the role of philanthropy in an AI-driven world. Together, they explore how technology and trust-based giving can shape more inclusive opportunities for low-income workers. Through Don’s personal journey—from consulting to philanthropy, informed by his activism during the AIDS crisis and for LGBT rights—this conversation reveals how empathy, equity, and adaptability can redefine leadership and drive community-led change. Plus, check out his Lego collection!
Key Takeaways:
Economic empowerment is essential to bridging inequality and building stronger, more inclusive communities.
AI and automation are transforming work, but worker participation in shaping this transition is vital to ensure fairness and opportunity.
Trust-based philanthropy creates greater impact by centering people, embracing flexibility, and building long-term collaboration with grantees.
Regional partnerships in California demonstrate how locally tailored solutions can scale effectively and address diverse community needs.
Advocacy and worker inclusion in AI policy discussions help safeguard equitable outcomes in a rapidly changing economy.
Joy and playfulness sustain leaders, fostering resilience and purpose in the pursuit of social change.
“Jobs get eliminated, but new jobs get created, which is true, but the folks in the old jobs don't necessarily get the new jobs. And so we have this transition window within which we need to empower workers to have a say in how this happens.” — Don Howard
“If we want to bring our democracy to a healthier state, we need to make sure that the AI revolution doesn't create a whole new generation of folks who are struggling.” — Don Howard
“My encouragement to philanthropy is to focus. To think about people-centered philanthropy and to trust grantees.” — Don Howard
Episode References:
The Bridgespan Group — https://www.bridgespan.org/
ACT UP (AIDS activist and advocacy group) — https://actupny.com/
Warehouse Workers Resource Center — https://warehouseworkers.org/
One Fair Wage — https://www.onefairwage.org/
22nd Century Initiative — https://www.22ci.org/
Surdna Foundation — https://surdna.org/
Public Policy Institute of California — https://www.ppic.org/
California Jobs First — https://jobsfirst.ca.gov/
Fresno Food Innovation Center (Build Back Better grant) — https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/american-rescue-plan/build-back-better/finalists/central-valley-community-foundation
Inland Empire Growth & Opportunity (IEGO) — https://iegocollab.com/
More about Don Howard:
Don Howard is the President and CEO of The James Irvine Foundation, leading the foundation to a singular goal: ensuring all low-income workers in California have the power to advance economically. Don has extensive experience speaking in California and nationally on the imperative to create better jobs, empower low-wage workers, and create a more equitable economy.
Connect with Don Howard:
Website: https://www.irvine.org/
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-howard/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-james-irvine-foundation/posts/?feedView=all
Connect with Kristine:
Website: https://www.impactfullinc.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactfull_inc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristine-breese-michie/
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