A Foundation Built on Hope and Action
We exist to eliminate barriers to opportunity and create pathways to generational impact.
The Vision of Rose Gordon
Rose Gordon grew up in a community where potential was abundant but opportunity was scarce. She watched brilliant classmates abandon dreams of college because of cost, and gifted entrepreneurs stall before they could start. She made a promise: if she ever had the means, she would build something that changed that reality.
After a successful career in business and education, Rose turned that promise into action. In 2015, she founded The Rose Gordon Foundation with a simple but powerful belief: that education, entrepreneurship, and leadership development are the three pillars that lift communities.
What began as a small scholarship fund has grown into a comprehensive organization serving thousands of students, entrepreneurs, and community members across the country. Rose's vision continues to guide every program, every partnership, and every life we touch.
Our Vision
A world where every individual—regardless of background or zip code—has access to the education, resources, and support needed to achieve their full potential and build generational wealth for their families and communities.
Our Mission
To eliminate barriers to opportunity by providing education, entrepreneurship support, workforce development, leadership training, and scholarships that transform lives and create lasting, generational impact in underserved communities.
What We Believe
The principles that guide every decision, every program, and every partnership.
Hope
We believe in the potential of every person, regardless of their starting point.
Excellence
We hold ourselves to the highest standard in everything we do.
Community
We are stronger together. Impact is a collective achievement.
Innovation
We embrace creative solutions to age-old challenges.
Empowerment
We equip people with tools, not just resources.
Leadership
We develop leaders who multiply impact in their communities.
Meet Our Team & Board
Dedicated leaders committed to creating lasting change in our communities.
Rose Gordon
Founder & CEO
James Carter
Board Chair
Dr. Michelle Lewis
Director of Education
Robert Hayes
Director of Entrepreneurship
Tanya Brooks
Director of Programs
Kevin Wright
Board Member
A Year of Transformation
A Timeline of Impact
From a single scholarship to a movement that transforms communities.
The Dream Begins
Rose Gordon founds the organization with a vision to empower underserved communities through education.
First Scholarship Awarded
The foundation awards its first round of scholarships to 10 deserving students.
Programs Expand
Launch of the Small Business Cohort and Leadership Academy programs.
500+ Lives Impacted
The foundation surpasses 500 individuals served across all programs.
Community Innovation Lab
Opening of the Innovation Lab, a creative space for community solutions.
Generational Impact
Over 1,000 scholars and entrepreneurs supported. The journey continues.
Where We're Headed
Our vision for the next decade of impact.
10,000 Scholars
Award 10,000 scholarships by 2030, creating pathways to higher education for students across the nation.
1,000 Businesses
Support the launch and growth of 1,000 small businesses in underserved communities.
National Expansion
Expand programs to 25 cities, bringing our proven model to communities nationwide.