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

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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
Explore the campaign

24 Years of Planting Change

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

  • Health4All 38.6 million lives impacted Learn more

  • 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 37 total awards given Learn more

  • Schools Not Prisons & BMOC Millions reached since 2016 Learn more

  • Play button
    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 $50M initiative Learn more

  • TCE Grant Making 2023 $381M awarded Learn more

  • Play button
    Dr. Ross shares some words on his legacy, life and friendships with those gathered at the event.
  • Parks for All Hundreds of millions leveraged for parks investments in CA Learn more

  • 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

Dr. Ross -
The man who helped me to dream in decades! Thank you for your leadership and example of courage. You’ve made us all better!
- Kaci Patterson

All the blessings in the world for your much deserved retirement. Thank you for your commitment to equity.
- Pico California

Bob,
Don’t be a stranger.
Love you,
- Ray

Bob -
I love you and always will. Now come and join my board!
- Kim Lewis

Dr. Ross,
The East Los Angeles Women’s Center sends you many blessings and gratitude for the support for our community & mujeres.

Love you brother!

My friend -
Thank you for always believing in the work. I hope you get some time to rest and find new horizons (and no stalkers).
With love

Wishing you well in all things, Bob. Preach on!
- John F.

Your words at the Liberty Hill dinner always stuck with me and I continue to share the message today.
Thank you,
- Darryl

Wishing you a happy and blessed retirement.
Love,
- David & Pei

We wish you well wishes.
- Brotherhood Crusade

For many years, I have known how special you are! Thanks.

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

Bob!
Rest. Relax. Renew. Have fun…
- Kisha Grove

Bob!
Sending love and thanks to you - a role model for the good.
- Robin

Dearest Bob,
Thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime to work with you! An honor and a privilege.
Love always.

Dr. Ross
Thanks for your years of unwavering leadership. We are better for all your efforts.
- Craig Martinez

A tu salud! Con cariño y respeto.

Best wishes!
- Melinda Smith and the Helpguide team

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.

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.

Unveiling Our
2024 Annual
Report

The California Endowment is proud to present our 2024 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