Empowering Communities: A Fireside Chat with Walmart Foundation President Julie Gehrki
INDIANAPOLIS—The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy will host Julie Gehrki, president of the Walmart Foundation and senior vice president of philanthropy at Walmart on May 7 for a fireside chat with Dean Amir Pasic, Ph.D. Gehrki will share insights on creating impactful community programs and fostering sustainable development.
Gehrki is a familiar name to the school. She was a Jane Addams – Andrew Carnegie Fellow at the school, a program that was the precursor to the world’s first master’s degree in philanthropy. She has dedicated her career to addressing economic, environmental, and social challenges through strategic philanthropy.
Gehrki has spent more than 15 years at Walmart. Under her leadership, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $1.7 billion in grants, food and product donations globally in FY2024. The foundation draws on Walmart’s business strengths in addition to providing funding. This enables the foundation to make a lasting, long-term impact on economic, environmental and social systems.
Prior to joining Walmart in 2008, Gehrki worked in the nonprofit sector on issues that revitalized and strengthened communities. She has a bachelor’s degree in religion from Rhodes College, and a master’s degree in public service from the Clinton School of Public Service. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Independent Sector and as President of the Associates in Critical Need Trust.
Registration is required for the May 7 event. Doors will open at 1:00 p.m. ET with light refreshments available and the presentation will begin at 1:30 p.m. ET at IU Indianapolis Hall, 301 University Blvd., Room 1006. If you can’t attend in person, you may register to join via Zoom.
About the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is dedicated to improving philanthropy to improve the world by training and empowering students and professionals to be innovators and leaders who create positive and lasting change. The school offers a comprehensive approach to philanthropy through its undergraduate, graduate, certificate and professional development programs, its research and international programs, and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy, Women’s Philanthropy Institute, and the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative. Follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, or Instagram and “Like” us on Facebook.
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart.org represents the philanthropic efforts of Walmart and the Walmart Foundation. The Walmart.org team works to tackle key social and environmental issues relevant for the retail sector in collaboration with others to spark long-lasting systemic change.