Carmen James Randolph
Inspired by her parents, Carmen James Randolph learned early about the resilience of women of color and the impact of supportive fathers. Over her 25-year career in philanthropy, she has galvanized donors, policymakers, and activists to transform lives and systems, driven by a deep belief in the power of sisterhood to uplift women and girls of color.
Carmen is the Founding President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation of the South (WFS), the first foundation by and for women and girls of color in the region. Under her leadership, WFS has raised over $6M and funded 52 women-of-color-led nonprofits.
An Aspen Institute fellow and Fortune’s Most Powerful Women member, Carmen was named one of the Top Women Leaders of Louisiana for 2024. She lives in New Orleans with her husband and three children, where they delight in the city's vibrant culture.