Eric Howard is a graduate student at the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs, earning a Masters of Public Affairs. He focuses his studies on philanthropy and how it can be a more effective force for the public good and a stronger democracy. He is currently a research assistant contributing to the field of social enterprise in communities of color. Eric graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Public Relations and Speech Communications. After graduating, Eric moved to Minnesota and began a career in nonprofit communications, advocacy, and project management. He served as president of Exodus Lending before his current service on the board of Headwaters Foundation for Justice. Eric currently works at the Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA and has played a leading role in shaping the synod's funding practices toward greater equity and inclusion. After graduating, Eric hopes to advance a career at the intersection of philanthropy, public affairs, and the private sector to heal racial divides through grassroots solutions.