Speech by Marie-Josee Kravis
Event: 4th Annual Henry R. Kravis Prize in Leadership
Date: March 31, 2009

Marie-Josée Drouin Kravis and her husband KKR co-founder Henry Kravis have been a staple in the United States philanthropic scene two of the most generous donors over the years. In the year 2008 alone, Marie and Henry Kravis gave $75 million in contributions to noteworthy causes. Together they are profiled as the 25th highest ranking individuals in The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s roster, The Philanthropy 50: Americans Who Gave the Most in 2008. The New York magazine also lists Marie-Josée Kravis as one of The Influentials in Philanthropy.

In this speech, Marie Josee Kravis spoke about the 2009 receipient of the Henry Kravis Award, Sakena Yacoobi, who has fought for education for women in Afghanistan. In her passionate speech, Marie Josee Kravis speaks about the benefits for society as a whole when women are given better opportunities.

Marie-Josée Kravis’ generosity has extended to many other causes, such as the Mount Sinai Medical Center, for which she has helped to secure $30 million for Dr. Valentin Fuster’s Heart Institute. Marie Josee Kravis is the president of the Museum of Modern Art’s board of directors. Marie-Josée is also donated $10 million to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

She also sits on the board of the Robin Hood Foundation where she is co-chair. The extensive list of board memberships she has held in the past include Ford Motor Company, Interactive Data Corporation, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, Vivendi Universal, CIBC, Hollinger International and Hasbro.

A member of the New York Federal Reserve Bank, she is an influential member of its International Advisory Board. Marie-Josée Kravis has been recognized as a recipient of a number of esteemed awards such as the French Legion d’Honneur (2006) and Officer of the Order of Canada (1994).

Ottawa, Montreal-born Marie-Josée Drouin’s birth date is September 11, 1949. She graduated in 1973 with a master’s degree in economics from the University of Ottawa. Her career began with the Hudson Institute, where she quickly rose in its ranks. From an executive committee’s trustee, she became senior fellow in 1973, and executive director for Canada from 1976-1994.

A columnist as well, her articles have been regularly published in the Montreal Gazette, Canada’s Financial Post and La Presse. Marie-Josée Kravis is also a contributing writer to the Wall Street Journal.