We’ve welcomed Amanda Morrall as our new Executive Director, ushering in a new chapter of bold leadership and expanded impact. With over a decade of experience advancing economic mobility and systems change, Amanda brings a track record of aligning resources with community-driven solutions and a deep commitment to entrepreneurship.
Photo by April Renae and Jeffrey Perkins
In her words:
“We are growing our community and reimagining systems that overlook talent already leading in their communities. I look forward to building alongside the founders and partners who make this work possible.”
Amanda is a strategist known for turning vision into action through cross-sector partnerships and measurable impact. She is a 2023–2024 Obama Scholar, a 2025 Eisenhower Fellow, and the founder of Morrall Strategy Group. She has led strategy and research on philanthropy, fundraising, and economic mobility, co-created Ignite Social Impact Summit, and raised over $8 million annually at a United Way affiliate. Her work has been featured by CNN and the Obama Foundation.
Thank you for being part of our community and for supporting the mission of Founder Forward. We are grateful to be in this work with you. Keep Moving Forward,
Since its founding in 2016 by Libra Group in response to President Barack Obama's My Brother's Keeper Alliance call-to-action, Founder Forward has supported 125 early-stage entrepreneurs across 25 states, distributing over $860,000 in funding and $100,000 in pro bono services. The organization has cultivated a founder network with an 85% survival rate.
Today, Founder Forward operates as one of the philanthropic initiatives supported by Libra Philanthropies, an independent foundation that catalyzes solutions driving systemic change. Founder Forward provides grant funding, training, community, and storytelling that equips diverse founders with the investment readiness needed to scale businesses in overlooked markets including the Mid-Atlantic region (Bronx, Newark, Philadelphia), South Central cities (Louisville, Houston, Tulsa), and Tribal Nations.
Learn more about Founder Forward and how to get involved as a founder or partner at founderforward.org. Connect with Founder Forward on Instagram @FounderFwd and LinkedIn.
