Cleary Gottlieb’s Global Town Hall on Social Justice Philanthropy During COVID-19

Cleary Gottlieb Managing Partner Michael Gerstenzang hosted a global town hall with Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation and Cleary alumnus (1986-1987; New York).

Over 400 participants from nine countries logged in to the town hall. What began as a discussion about the mental health benefits of social connection, giving, and how philanthropic communities are mobilizing in response to COVID-19, evolved into a profound and multifaceted conversation about social justice, equality, our collective humanity, and the importance of engaging in self-care while serving others.

The town hall was part of Cleary’s firm-wide programming during Mental Health Awareness Month, with events focused on providing practical resources and fostering an open dialogue about mental health, within the context of COVID-19 and beyond. The Cleary community welcomed behavioral health experts to discuss practices for cultivating mental health during times of crisis, grief, bereavement, mindfulness, and resilience.