trellis stepter recognized with Legacy Award

On April 24, 2023, trellis stepter received the inaugural Legacy Award by the Funders’ Committee on Civic Participation (FCCP). The award was presented at FCCP’s annual convening in New Orleans, where Mr. stepter grew up. This honor recognizes an individual for their leadership and philanthropic practice in the movement for a more open and equitable democracy. 

“This inaugural Legacy Award from my peers and friends at FCCP is an unexpected act of such generosity that I am grateful to receive and take it to heart,” shared trellis. “When I reflect on our collective legacy and our stewardship as democracy funders, I immediately think back to one of Mertz Gilmore’s founding trustees, the civil rights leader, Bayard Rustin. Bayard organized both Marches on Washington, and is someone who I continue to draw inspiration from. His ‘behind the scenes’ leadership and legacy reminds me, and all of us, that so much more is possible when we work from a place of deeply-held values and relationship-building, toward a shared future vision that is informed by being in community. New Orleans is my birthplace which gives additional meaning to receiving this honor.”

As senior program officer at the Mertz Gilmore Foundation, trellis was instrumental in shaping and leading the Foundation’s equity-driven approach to civic participation. Over the past seven years, trellis has led the Foundation’s Democratic Values Program, building a more equitable people-centered system that is accountable to all of us, especially people that have been historically oppressed and marginalized. 

Previously, trellis worked for over 15 in both the public and philanthropic sectors to strengthen civic engagement and racial equity.

“This is such a well-deserved recognition of trellis’ work, vision, and leadership,” shared Mertz Gilmore Foundation President Aditi Vaidya. “Those who work with trellis know that his approach is deeply relationship-centered. He is intentional about breaking out of the inherent grantee-funder power dynamics, which is also a driving force for how Mertz Gilmore sees its work.. He focuses on the heart of why we are interested in democratic values - centering the voices of people. We hope that this award helps shine a light on important civic engagement efforts led by BIPOC communities and leaders, who are building bridges across race, class and gender.”