Our VP of Development on meeting the moment with courage and shared commitment

As we reflect on our history and prepare for a new year, it’s important to remind ourselves why this work matters. This is a critical moment in the fight for a more equitable future, with opportunity for all.

We spoke with Vice President of Development Erin Dowland Kabwe about what inspires her to do the work and how donors fuel our mission.

Why did you join the Shriver Center on Poverty Law, and what has kept you passionate about our mission?

I grew up on a small farm in Illinois in a community that dealt with the daily realities of poverty in rural America. I have served Chicagoland communities impacted by poverty for years. I have also volunteered and worked abroad with underserved and under-resourced communities globally. Rural, urban, or international: the injustices caused by poverty and systemic disinvestment in people and communities are real and urgent.

No child should go hungry in the richest nation in the world. No veteran should seek shelter under a bridge after serving their country. No mother or parent should have to sacrifice time with their children because they’re working two or three jobs. Building a future free from poverty and racism isn’t just critically important — it’s the right thing to do. Dreaming of a future where everyone has what they need to thrive, and communities can celebrate their successes,  is what keeps me passionate about ending poverty.

Can you share a story or moment from this past year that really demonstrates the impact of our work?

One story that immediately comes to mind is that of a young man named Kody, who fell prey to a “junk” insurance plan. These predatory plans have devastated individuals and families with high costs and very low, limited coverage. Kody found himself in need of insurance and, being in good health, he turned to one of these junk plans. Shortly after signing up, his health took a turn. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and the policy didn’t cover his medical care, leaving Kody with a $7,500 monthly bill for medication alone.

Kody worked directly with the Shriver Center and other advocacy leaders in health equity, helping us to pass the Healthcare Protection Act (HPA). In addition to banning these kinds of insurance plans, this law puts power back into the hands of patients by banning step therapy (a process that makes patients try a lower cost prescription drug before “stepping up” to a similar but more expensive medication prescribed by their doctor), banning prior authorization for crisis mental health care, and ending unchecked rate increases for large-group insurance companies.

What are some of the biggest challenges our organization is facing, and how do our donors help us address these challenges?

The opposition our advocates will face over the next four years will be intense. Trump and his administration have already mobilized to attack nonprofits and others who are advocating for progressive, equitable change in America. The kind of cruel and disturbing policy choices the past Trump administration made seems like they will pale in comparison to what comes next. We cannot let Project 2025 come to fruition, and it will take a massive community effort to defend against attacks and accelerate equitable legislation.

Simply put — our community of donors and partners are more important now than ever. Through their generosity and financial support, they allow the Shriver Center to remain nimble and responsive in the face of legislative chaos and unprecedented legal battles. Through their time and attention, they accelerate our mission and amplify important messages. Through their passion, they make the world a better place for people living in poverty nationwide.

We truly cannot thank our donors and partners enough for all they do.

When you think of the people and communities we serve, what motivates you to keep pushing for greater impact?

When I look at the communities we serve, their families, their friends, I see injustices perpetrated by the systems that keep poverty alive in America. I see how many children are removed from loving families because the system confuses poverty with neglect. I see the lower life expectancy in low-income communities. And I see how all these injustices are magnified in Black and brown communities by our nation’s racist history.

But more than that, I see the opportunity for greatness in diverse, vibrant communities where people support one another and give love and resources freely and frequently.

I believe that no family in America — regardless of their race, economic position, or immigration status — should go without essentials. But I also believe that we should aim higher and dream bigger with these families. I believe that parents should be able to give their children the lives they deserve, and grandparents should enjoy their golden years without rationing medication or going hungry. I believe that students should get the best education available in well-maintained schools. So that’s what motivates me — the promise of a just, equitable nation for ALL.

What would you say to someone considering a first-time gift to the Shriver Center on Poverty Law?

I would say two things:

1. We have a proven track record of standing up for justice and battling regressive policy for nearly 60 years and through 11 presidential administrations. The road ahead is scary, but we are not scared. We are confident that with funding and partnership, we can continue doing the work and accelerating progress.
   
2. Now is the time to activate. Opponents of progress are heavily funded by billionaires and corporations, so every dollar we raise to fight against this oppressive machine is pivotal. During the last Trump administration, we found ways to achieve progress. We had great success in advancing state-level legislation in Illinois to address poverty and the systems that fuel it. We convened national networks of leaders and organizations to advance policy in states across America. We can and will do it again — but we need funding to do it.

How do you envision our organization evolving over the next few years, and what role do our donors play in that vision?

This fall, we finalized a strategic plan for the next several years of the Shriver Center. Our President and CEO, Audra Wilson, and our Vice President of Advocacy, LaTanya Jackson Wilson, have a focused, battle-tested approach to the future of our work. Our donors fuel this vision, allowing us to make amazing strides in the fight for economic and racial justice.

To make all these things happen, we need support from our donors. We need their gifts and their attention. There will be moments over the next few years when our community must activate, and we need our donors to be there to answer the call.

If there’s one thing that you would want every donor to know about our work, what would it be?

We want donors to know that no matter what this new administration throws at us, we are continuing our commitment to foundational anti-poverty work. We’re especially keeping an eye toward national expansion and strengthening our connection with changemakers across the country. This is a call to join a movement of changemakers working toward an equitable future, during a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. We’re inviting you to join us.