December 2020 | InspiredByPenta.com | 1
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The coronavirus pandemic. The racial
justice protests. The widening global
wealth gap. We can’t close out 2020
without admitting that more than ever
before, we need to work together to help
one another out of predicaments that
sometimes feel like they’re spiraling
out of control. As such, the work of
philanthropists is ever more important.
It’s ever more impactful. And it needs
to be ever more innovative.
In our annual look at the state of
philanthropy, we profile a new set
of philanthropists whose convictions go
beyond writing a check for a cause or
an organization. For Justin Rockefeller, a
fifth-generation member of the family of
Standard Oil founder John D. Rockefel-
ler Sr., it means applying a philanthropic
lens to capitalism, sitting on the board
of a membership organization of families
who, as Rockefeller says, “are committed
to aligning values and investments.” For
NBA star Stephen Curry and his actress/
TV host/author wife Ayesha, it means
starting a foundation that during the
coronavirus pandemic is providing daily
meals to tens of thousands of students
and their families in Oakland, Calif.
Setting the stage for these philan-
thropists of tomorrow, who are already
making their mark today, are Bill and
Melinda Gates. The couple, along with
Warren Buffett, a decade ago put the
onus on the wealthy and successful
globally to give back to society with the
establishment of the Giving Pledge. To
date, more than 200 have pledged.
In this issue of Penta, the Gates pen a
heartfelt letter to the next generation of
philanthropists with sage advice for us
all. The couple recollect that they sought
out and received sound guidance from
Buffett when they started their philan-
thropic journey two decades ago, and it
is those same words of wisdom that they
seek to impart today.
It is this same figurative concept of
passing the baton that we explore, in this
issue of the magazine, the marine conser-
vation projects on which the descendants
of Jacques-Yves Cousteau have embarked.
At the same time, we recognize the
important work of pioneers, such as that
of Destinee Ross-Sutton, who is bringing
broad recognition to the work of Black
Melinda and Bill
Gates, who, in this
issue of Penta,
pen a letter to the
next generation of
philanthropists.
The Philanthropy of
Tomorrow, Today
artists; the BIPOC professionals who are
bringing change to the wine world; and
the unwavering spirit and optimism
of fashion designer Josie Natori, who, at
age 73, is still working and giving back
to organizations that support women
and children.
I couldn’t be more delighted to bring
the diversity of voices and ideas we
have in the December issue of Penta to
our readers. I hope these stories will
seed the soil for fertile conversations in
the year ahead regarding the role of
philanthropy and philanthropists in
addressing the world’s most pressing
societal problems.
Mae M. Cheng, Editor
T
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR