Cedric Brown is an award-winning social impact leader with deep experience in U.S. philanthropy and nonprofits. While heading a California-based family foundation, Cedric amassed a significant track record as a partner and funder of political and economic empowerment initiatives. He later managed global Obama Foundation Leaders programs and launched two programs in direct consultation with the former president. Cedric is a staunch advocate for Afrodescendant and LGBTQ+ communities as well as human rights and the arts. He is the author of several books and the founder of two literary prizes. Cedric has served on numerous governing and advisory boards, currently including the Panta Rhea Foundation and the Sonja Haynes Stone Center for Black Research and Culture at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Cedric is a member of the Atlantic Institute Governing Board.