Dr. Grace Lubwama

Dr. Grace Lubwama serves as the President and CEO of Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF). With over two decades of experience in the nonprofit and public health sectors, Dr. Lubwama has a proven track record in systems change work that achieves broad, impactful results at local, state, and national levels. As a strategic thinker and results-driven executive, she effectively translates racial and gender equity into tangible, attainable goals.

A native of Uganda, Dr. Lubwama became the first Black CEO of YWCA Kalamazoo in February 2014, where she focused on the development and expansion of programs and services. Notably, she implemented Michigan's first comprehensive human trafficking program, which provides advocacy, counseling, legal services, and shelter for trafficked individuals and their families. She also established the state's only comprehensive 24-hour early childhood center, offering both drop-in and enrolled shift care.

In addition, Dr. Lubwama founded Cradle Kalamazoo, a $4.2 million collective impact initiative aimed at reducing Black infant mortality in Kalamazoo County. During her tenure, she significantly increased the agency's staffing to over 200 employees and raised net assets to $30 million.

Dr. Lubwama holds a BA in Fine Arts and Industrial Design from Makerere University, a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from Boston University, and a Ph.D. in Policy, Planning, and Development from the University of Southern California.