Rebecca Fishman Lipsey

President & CEO, The Miami Foundation, Miami

Lipsey began her career as a public school teacher in a failing school in Harlem. Later she was a policymaker who served a four-year term on the Florida Board of Education. She also founded an accelerator for social impact ventures and led Miami’s region of Teach for America. Since 2020, she’s been in charge of the Miami Foundation, one of the largest philanthropic institutions in the state. Lipsey has amped up the organization’s social-innovation efforts, particularly at the intersection of philanthropy and economic development. The foundation has a staff of 40.

EDUCATION: University of Pennsylvania (BA), Bank Street College of Education (M.Ed)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: Universal broadband and digital literacy for all, world class public transit options, and a continued focus on both housing affordability and climate resilience.

LISTENING: I love everything that comes out of Lemonada Media. Their podcast, Wiser Than Me, featuring the wisdom of older women, brought me so much joy last year.

MOTIVATIONAL MANTRA: You have been placed here for a reason. Fulfill it.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED
“Relationships are where the real impact happens. The best plans can’t come to fruition without trust, and weak plans can turn into magic when led by outstanding teams.”