About

Carmen James Randolph is the Founding President and Chief Executive Officer of the Women's Foundation of the South, where she leads one of the nation's first philanthropic organizations created by and for women and girls of color in the Southern United States. Under her leadership, the foundation is advancing gender and racial equity by investing in the health, wealth, leadership, and long-term prosperity of women of color and girls throughout the South.

With more than 25 years of experience in philanthropy, Carmen has dedicated her career to bringing together funders, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates to create lasting systems change. A collaborative and visionary leader, she is passionate about expanding opportunities for women and girls of color and believes deeply in the power of partnerships, sisterhood, and community-led solutions to drive meaningful impact.

Carmen is recognized nationally for her leadership and serves as an Aspen Institute Fellow and a participant in Neighborhood Funders Group's Philanthropy Forward initiative. She is also a member of Fortune's Most Powerful Women community. In recognition of her impact, she was named one of the Top Women Leaders of Louisiana in 2024.

A proud New Orleans resident, Carmen and her husband are raising their three children while remaining deeply committed to strengthening communities across the South. Through her leadership, she continues to champion bold investments that empower women, transform communities, and create opportunities for future generations.