In January 2014, La June Montgomery Tabron became the first woman and the first African American to head the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Based in Battle Creek, Michigan, the Kellogg Foundation is one of the 10 largest foundations in the United States.
Founded in 1930 as an independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal pioneer Will Keith Kellogg, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation works to create conditions where vulnerable children can realize their full potential in school, work and life.
In recent years, the Kellogg Foundation has implemented an integrated strategy of wrapping its commitment to racial equity and civic engagement around efforts to ensure the education and health of children and the economic security of their families.
Ms. Tabron began her career at the foundation as a financial controller. Her drive and dedication to the mission of the foundation led to numerous promotions, allowing her to expand her responsibilities to all of internal operations including programming strategy and execution. Her leadership in the place-based areas of Mississippi and New Orleans has resulted in the launch of a strategic focus on the educational achievements of Young Males of Color.
In an interview, she stated the she thinks her background will help. She grew up as one of 10 children in what she describes as a “large and loving” inner-city Detroit family. Neither of her parents attended college—her father worked in the automotive industry, and her mother worked for Detroit public schools—but they emphasized the importance of education. Eight of the 10 children in the family are college-educated, Ms. Tabron says.
“I clearly understand the obstacles and the issues that children face,” Ms. Tabron said. “As the foundation has gone deeper into communities, what I’ve learned is that I have the ability to connect on that level as well. It allows us to just do much more authentic work.”
Kellogg is one of 10 foundations President Obama asked to participate in the “My Brother’s Keeper Initiative.” In a March 6, 2014 statement, Ms. Tabron applauded the president’s 2015 budget and its support for working families and children:
President Barack Obama’s fiscal year 2015 budget request is a welcome step forward to enacting many of the key policies discussed in his recent State of the Union address. The budget is also a starting point for addressing the needs of young men and boys of color, as recently highlighted in the “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative. The priorities outlined in this budget will increase investments in programs that will support opportunities for our nation’s children and families, many of whom face barriers based on income or race, inhibiting them from reaching their full potential. (More)
Ms. Tabron has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She is a certified public accountant and a certified management accountant. An outstanding civic leader, she serves as president of the board of the Western Michigan University Foundation and is a board member of the Michigan-based Bronson Healthcare group, in addition to numerous other community and professional organizations.