A Message from Fay Twersky on the passing of Janine Lee

We lost a bright star last week. Janine Lee, president and CEO of Philanthropy Southeast, was a trailblazer and visionary who believed in the power of philanthropy to achieve a just and equitable South. 

Janine was a wonderful colleague. Kind. Warm. Always with a keen moral compass.  She was a strong Black female leader in philanthropy at a time when there were precious few. She held her own and always with immense grace.

About twelve years ago, Janine invited me to speak to a group of foundation CEOs in Birmingham, Alabama, about the value of listening to community and the people we seek to serve through philanthropy. That trip imprinted me with the conviction that philanthropy could and should do more in the South. In fact, Janine, a Blank Foundation veteran herself, was the first person I called when I accepted my role at the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.

Janine was also a friend. I will miss her but know that her spirit is still with us and the work she led will continue.

May her memory be a blessing.

– Fay Twersky, president of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation