Racial Equity Video Series | Cynthia Muller on Using a Racial Equity Lens
Cynthia Muller, the Director of Mission Investments at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, speaks to the importance of using a racial equity lens when evaluating systems and the necessity of being vulnerable and curious when discussing sensitive topics such as marginalized communities.
ABOUT CYNTHIA MULLER
Cynthia Muller is the director, mission investments at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation based out of Battle Creek, Michigan. She is the Director of the Mission Driven Investments team at the foundation. In this role, she is responsible for developing and managing strategic impact investment activities that address systemic barriers that create vulnerable conditions for historically marginalized communities and children. Her work includes sourcing and deploying market-rate investments to increase social change impact; ongoing analysis of solutions and trends; developing relationships within the field; fostering alliances with community, corporate, government and philanthropic partners; and supporting the overall direction and implementation of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s strategic framework. Prior to joining the foundation, Muller developed and managed Arabella Advisors impact investing practice where she helped foundations and individuals understand the field of impact investing; develop strategies, and structure investments to accomplish their social and environmental goals. During her tenure, she oversaw deal sourcing and structuring of investments in health, education, microfinance, housing, and green technology—both domestically and internationally. Muller also led several evaluations of impact investment portfolios, and she regularly presented and blogged about trends and practices within the field.
Muller previously led strategic initiatives at Capital Impact Partners, where she developed and managed impact investments and worked on nationally focused investment funds and initiatives targeting health, food, education, energy efficiency, and economic development. Cynthia serves on the boards of Groundswell and Enterprise Community Loan Fund.
Muller holds a Master of Business Administration from the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Stanford University. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), founded in 1930 as an independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal pioneer, Will Keith Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, WKKF works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work, and life.
