April 28, 2019

“The opposite of poverty is not wealth; the opposite of poverty is justice.” – Bryan Stevenson

Modern society is based on the ideals of the enlightenment – that all people deserve equal rights and equal opportunity. Yet hundreds of years into this enlightenment, that promise has yet to be fulfilled. Factors like geography, skin color, religious affiliation and immigration status still define the opportunities presented to most of us. Until we realize the right of each person to write their own story, the mission of humanity is clear. Unleash our collective human potential.

In spite of being the grandchild and great-grandchild of refugees, we were both born into communities of privilege. Our parents and grandparents were able to start businesses. Their children benefited from excellent public schools and scholarship programs. As a result, we were both blessed with ample choice in our adult lives and career paths. Growing up in communities with robust public infrastructure and economic opportunity was critical to our future success.

We recognize the privilege with which we were born, and more importantly, the unequal distribution of that privilege in our country and around the world. We believe that every individual is entitled to health, opportunity and respect – regardless of the color of their skin, the location of their community, how they choose to worship, or whom they choose to love. We intend to leverage our good fortune to work towards the achievement of this vision.

We could do this work quietly. We could do it without taking the Giving Pledge. So why?

We’ve felt the impact that public giving creates. We’ve been inspired by the philanthropy of Freada and Mitch Kapor, Ron and Gayle Conway, Lynn and Marc Benioff, Melinda and Bill Gates, and many others. Good begets good. Our intention in taking the Giving Pledge – in joining this movement – is to encourage others to do the same. To us, this movement is about using our privilege to bring about a more just and equitable world — where a child born anywhere, to anyone, will have the same opportunities that we’ve had.

We find ourselves blessed with resources greater than we could have ever imagined, and we are deeply grateful. We believe that with these resources comes a responsibility to put them to good use. We come to this endeavor with humility and excitement, as well as gratitude to those who have stepped forward to serve as mentors. We have much to learn, and look forward to being a part of this community.

Sincerely,