Celebrating Dr. Robert K. Ross

24 Years of Planting Change

Thank you Dr. Robert K. Ross for your leadership & building power as President & CEO of The California Endowment

FA Image Dr. Robert K. Ross
#GetLoud

Join us as we celebrate the remarkable legacy Dr. Robert K. Ross has built while serving as our President & CEO.

With 24 years of tireless dedication, he has been instrumental in cultivating people power and advancing the critical causes of health equity and social justice, empowering individuals across California to make their voices heard and drive meaningful change.

His unwavering commitment has shaped everything we do, and he leaves an enduring impact on the communities we serve throughout California.

Send Dr. Robert K. Ross a Thank You
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24 Years of Planting Change

  • Building Healthy Communities

    Building Healthy Communities $1B invested over 10 years Learn more

  • Health4All

    Health4All 38.6 million lives impacted Learn more

  • Investing in and observing

    Investing in and observing the work of community organizers is truly fuel for optimism. Our partners and community leaders have demonstrated that grantees are the architects of a reimagined health destiny.

    DR. ROBERT K. ROSS
    President & CEO, The California Endowment
  • Youth Awards

    Youth Awards 37 total awards given Learn more

  • Schools Not Prisons

    Schools Not Prisons & BMOC Millions reached since 2016 Learn more

  • 24 Years of Planting Change
    24 Years of Planting Change
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    Watch the impassioned spoken word performance centering Dr. Ross' life, work, and legacy by artists Desiree Stevens, Jose Cordon, Brandon Leaks, and Sun Luu.
  • Farmworker Health

    Farmworker Health $50M initiative Learn more

  • TCE Grant Making 2023

    TCE Grant Making 2023 $381M awarded Learn more

  • Dr Ross Speech
    Dr Ross Speech
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    Dr. Ross shares some words on his legacy, life and friendships with those gathered at the event.
  • Parks for All

    Parks for All Hundreds of millions leveraged for parks investments in CA Learn more

  • Racial injustice

    Racial injustice, structural inequality are made by the human hand. Which means that they can be dismantled by the human hand. Dismantled by human leadership, human action, human voice, human advocacy, human activism.

    DR. ROBERT K. ROSS
    President & CEO, The California Endowment

Wishing Wall

Thank you for your leadership and keeping justice at the center of LA philanthropy!

Bob,
We can’t thank you enough. Our wish is that you take some time to do what you want to do.
You’ve done so much for others. It’s time to DO YOU!
God bless,
- Steve & Jenn

Bob bravo! What a magnificent legacy!
My best,
- Anne

Thank you for all that you’ve done! Please enjoy your retirement. You deserve it!
- Martha Dina Arguello & PSR-LA

Bob,
Fortunate to have such a powerful voice & thought leader at TCE.
- Sherry

The force is strong in our family.
- D. Wash

Dang Bob! You really leaving? You really reading all this good stuff?! Ok man! Among so many of the things I already said, you baaaad, Dude. Much love!

You inspired me to keep endeavoring in education even when it's hard. Thank you.

Dr. Ross! You are a blessing and have changed the world we live in. Thank you.
- H.S.F.

Bob -
With huge appreciation for an example of excellence, humility, and grace.
Best wishes.

Dr. Ross -
Thank you for all you’ve done for the community and have an amazing retirement!

Dr. Ross,
Wishing you all of the joy and relaxation you well deserve. Thank you for everything!
- Alyric Bell (UNITE-LA)

Dear Bob,
Thank you for your incredible and bold leadership for equity and justice! It has catalyzed so much and the ripple effects will be felt for longer than you can imagine. Thanks also for being a personal inspiration to me and our organization’s work. We’ll all try to carry on the pathway you forged. Best wishes in all your next endeavors.
Yours,
- Alex Rossides

Congratulations on a long and impactful career! Best wishes for your next stage of life!
Best,
- Amy
POWER

Dr. Ross,
I hope you have some amazing adventures planned. Enjoy!
- Andrea Williams (Southside Coalition)

Bobbie -
May God continue to order your steps. He;s not finished with you yet.

Wishing you all the love you can handle…. And wonderful memories of years at TCE!
- Elwood

Dr. Ross,
Thank you very much for all your efforts. You’ve planted many seeds and tended greatly to your community. I’m immensely grateful for your work. Take a moment to appreciate yourself. Thank you!

Dear Dr. Ross,
Wishing you joy, peace, and more free time than you know what to do with. I love you!
- Marc P.

RKR - sooooo wonderful to gather this evening to celebrate you! The honor and privilege of knowing you is more than I can describe. Hoping we will be sure to connect as you go.

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Thank you, Dr. Robert K. Ross, for your innovative leadership and for leading us these past 24 years with courage, compassion, and unwavering conviction.

As he steps out of this role and into his next adventure, we honor his legacy and pledge to carry forward the torch of passion and commitment to build a healthier, more just California for all.

Dr. Robert K. Ross

Unveiling Our
2025 Annual
Report

The California Endowment is proud to present our 2025 annual report. Read about the work we are supporting and our partners who are changing California to a state of belonging and inclusion.

View Report
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