Women Leading a Philanthropic Revolution in Healthcare

The Transformative Power of Women in Philanthropy

At Newsweek's Women's Global Impact Forum 2026 held in Los Angeles, female leaders in healthcare gathered to discuss the profound impact women are having through philanthropy. Key figures like Kristin Bertell, chief philanthropy officer at City of Hope, highlighted that this isn't merely charity; it's a vital movement towards systemic change.

"Women are investing differently in philanthropy than men do—we're more collaborative, we solve the problem at the upstream," said Bertell.

Collaboration Over Competition

What struck me during the discussions was the emphasis on collaboration among women philanthropists. Bertell's description of philanthropy as the spark behind a 'transformational revolution' reveals an urgent call to action.

Women are not just writing checks; they're deeply involved in the trenches, identifying root problems and working towards sustainable solutions. Felicia Marie Knaul, a professor of medicine at UCLA, notes that philanthropic investments directly benefit research and community health initiatives.

Innovative Partnerships

Johnese Spisso, president of UCLA Health, echoed this notion, explaining how new initiatives—like the California Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy—are only possible through meaningful partnerships driven by philanthropy.

“Everything we do at UCLA Health has benefited from such investments. They help us expand access and innovate care solutions,” Spisso emphasized.

A Focus on Maternal Health

These women are not just focused on big-ticket health innovations; maternal health is a significant aspect of their mission. Megan Vera Weaklend, from Ob Hospitalist Group, shared her insights on how partnerships can tackle challenges in women's healthcare.

"When we enter into partnerships with hospitals, we bring a blank sheet of paper to that conversation," Vera Weaklend said.

The Long View

We cannot afford to view women's contributions to philanthropy as merely a footnote in a larger narrative. Their actions are reshaping how we think about healthcare delivery and community support. In a world where funding often encounters bureaucratic roadblocks, women are stepping up with a refreshing urgency. This revolution goes beyond philanthropy; it's about dismantling the barriers that underrepresented communities face.

The Broader Impacts on Society

As we look at these transformative efforts, I urge us to consider how we can amplify this movement. Women are engaged in more than just healthcare—they're influencing policy, advocating for justice reform, and creating waves of change across multiple sectors. Their voices and collaboration are empowering a multitude of grassroots movements.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As the forum concluded, it was evident that inclusive and innovative practices in philanthropy are essential not just for healthcare but for society at large. I encourage readers to question their perspectives on philanthropy: How can you leverage your own voice and resources to contribute to meaningful change? The revolution is here, and it's driven by women.