The Kresge Foundation proudly announces the launch of its 2024 Annual Report: PathBreakers, a dynamic digital report and companion podcast series that spotlight 12 remarkable individuals who are breaking down barriers and forging new solutions for America’s cities.

Beyond Barriers: Seeing Possibilities Where Others See Obstacles

Some see barriers. PathBreakers see possibilities. This theme resonates throughout the innovative digital experience that introduces readers to visionaries transforming urban communities nationwide.

Like icebreakers that carve channels through frozen rivers, these PathBreakers create opportunities in communities too often left behind, demonstrating what’s possible when vision meets determination. Their stories illustrate how dedicated individuals can cut through red tape, overcome systemic challenges and build equitable pathways to prosperity.

Meet the PathBreakers: Champions of Urban Transformation

The 2024 report introduces a diverse group of changemakers whose work spans multiple sectors and cities:

• Marcia Black, who preserves Detroit’s Black cultural heritage while creating pathways to healing and economic justice through Black Bottom Archives
• Dr. Bridget Burns, whose University Innovation Alliance is breaking down institutional barriers that have blocked college success for generations of first-generation and low-income students
• Richard Burrell, creating prosperity pathways in Fresno’s underserved neighborhoods through community-centered approaches
• Quetzal Flores, who weaves together art, organizing, and community wisdom at Los Angeles’ Community Power Collective
• Dr. Darrick Hamilton, reshaping economic frameworks to address persistent inequalities at their roots
• Samantha Hamilton, advancing climate resilience work that simultaneously addresses long-standing health disparities
• Dr. Mona Hanna, revolutionizing children’s health support through cash prescriptions via Rx Kids across Michigan
• Dean Elizabeth Moje, reimagining education pathways from birth through college in northwest Detroit
• Cardell Orrin, amplifying student and family voices to transform education policy in Memphis
• Favianna Rodriguez, harnessing creativity as a catalyst for social transformation in Oakland
• Damien Wilson, directing critical resources to HBCUs through the Reinvestment Fund’s HBCU Brilliance Initiative
• Dr. Beverly Wright, combining research, community organizing and policy advocacy to address environmental racism in New Orleans

Leadership Perspectives: A Call to Action

For over a century, Kresge has been committed to promoting human progress. What began in 1924 as a mission to strengthen communities has evolved into a sophisticated approach to dismantling structural barriers and expanding equity in America’s cities. Today’s PathBreakers continue this legacy, embodying the same pioneering spirit that has driven the foundation’s work for 100 years—but with an urgent focus on the systemic challenges that demand immediate action.

In her letter, Board Chair Cecilia Muñoz emphasizes the imperative nature of path-breaking work in our current political and cultural moment. writing “We will double down on what we know and what we do best, which is to focus on equity and opportunity in America’s cities.”

And in his annual letter, President and CEO Rip Rapson describes why and how Kresge’s investments seek to bolster pathbreaking work, stating that “PathBreakers see beyond conventional boundaries and understand that the most intractable urban challenges require us to work across sectors, disciplines, and traditional power structures.”

Join the PathBreaking Movement

The digital report is complemented by the launch of a new PathBreakers podcast series, hosted by Kresge’s Tracey Pearson and Jamie Bennett, formerly of ArtPlace America and now a nonprofit consultant. These skilled interviewers bring out the personal stories, professional insights, and joy and passion that make each PathBreaker’s journey inspiring and instructive. The first two episodes are available today, featuring Dean Moje and Rodriguez (with an intro interview with Rapson), and new episodes featuring conversations with these urban innovators are released weekly each Wednesday.

Ready to discover what’s possible when vision meets action? Explore all 12 PathBreaker stories and dive deep into their transformative work at Kresge.org/PathBreakers. Don’t miss a single conversation—follow the PathBreakers podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts to hear directly from those who don’t just dream of change—they make it happen.

Share these stories with colleagues, friends and fellow changemakers who believe in the power of breaking down barriers to build up communities.