Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Inclusive Leadership, Lasting Transformation
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation partnered with Indigo Innovation Group to design and implement a racial equity learning program, strengthen leadership, and foster an inclusive organizational culture. This collaboration is driving systemic change and long-term impact.
About Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is the largest philanthropic organization in the United States dedicated solely to improving health and healthcare. Focused on building a national Culture of Health, the foundation supports initiatives addressing the root causes of health disparities, promoting health equity, and fostering systemic change. Through strategic partnerships, research, and advocacy, the foundation works to ensure that everyone in America has a fair and just opportunity for health and well-being.
One of the things that was unique about working with Tracey was the fact that I really felt like I had a co-conspirator in the work. She took the time to listen and understand the challenges I was facing.
- Maisha Simmons
Challenge
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation sought to address structural racism within the organization and promote racial equity across all levels. The challenge required a comprehensive learning program to navigate the complexities of organizational change, support leadership development, and ensure deeper equity-based outcomes. The foundation aimed to align staff and leadership with a cohesive framework to dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive, equity-driven practices.
Addressing structural racism required a comprehensive racial equity initiative.
Solution
Indigo Innovation Group collaborated with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to design and implement a multi-faceted racial equity initiative. Key components included:
Learning Program Development: Designed and facilitated a year-long program addressing structural racism, piloted through the Racial Equity Design Advisory Group. Lessons learned are being codified into a staff-wide learning program.
Leadership Coaching: Supported staff and senior leaders through individual, all-staff, and department-level cohort coaching to align leadership with organizational equity goals.
Place-Based Strategy and Leadership Development: Designed and coached strategies to deepen impact and outcomes in specific communities.
Equity Leadership Group Support: Provided ongoing coaching and guidance to the Equity Leadership Group to ensure alignment with broader organizational goals.
This collaborative effort embedded equity into the foundation’s culture and positioned leadership to drive systemic change.
Results
Indigo Innovation Group’s collaboration has enabled the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to integrate racial equity into its culture, leadership, and operations. The initiative strengthened leadership capacity and commitment to addressing structural racism, fostering inclusive and transformational change.
Impact
Impact: The foundation has successfully implemented an organization-wide racial equity learning program and established ongoing leadership coaching structures. These strategic shifts position the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to lead long-term efforts in promoting health equity and dismantling systemic racism, ensuring a lasting impact on communities nationwide.
- Maisha Simmons
