November 25, 2025
Dear Readers,
This week’s Leadership newsletter is a cornucopia of articles that I think are quite timely.
The list starts with Rhea Wong—author of our column Ask Rhea—tackling readers’ questions about GivingTuesday. You can ask Rhea your own fundraising questions by going to our Ask an Expert page and choosing “Fundraising” from the drop-down menu.
Then, a look at budgeting—because ’tis the season—in a political maelstrom.
Next, Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York City’s new mayor marks a potential economic inflection point. Can the Big Apple shift toward a solidarity economy?
We then explore how foundations trying to do international development are grappling with the Trump White House and its Congressional allies cutting funding to USAID.
Finally, recent accounts of Black birthing women being ignored by medical workers are a reminder of the awful state of affairs when it comes to birthing while Black in America. And they brought to mind a powerful interview my colleague Rebekah Barber did earlier this year with Angela Doyinsola Aina, founder of Black Mamas Matter. It’s worth a re-read.
Please hit me up at [email protected]. Occasionally, I actually do hear from you, and I love it!
Isaiah Thompson
Leadership
Editor
