Ivy McGregor Advocates for Collaborative Solutions to Social Issues

Global strategist and changemaker Ivy McGregor delivered a compelling lecture at the University of California Regents event on October 8, 2023, hosted at UCLA’s California NanoSystems Institute. In her talk titled “Four-squared: Unlocking Systemic Change Through Radical Collaboration,” McGregor emphasized the urgent need for what she termed “radical collaboration” to tackle significant social challenges facing the world today.

McGregor, who has dedicated her career to driving systemic impact, outlined her vision of collaboration across diverse sectors, including nonprofit, corporate, philanthropic, and entrepreneurial domains. She pointed out that while each of these sectors has the potential to create substantial change, they often operate in isolation. “I’ve seen each of these pillars move mountains,” she stated. “But I’ve also seen their brilliance trapped in silos, and I came to believe something radical — and it is that the future will not be built by one sector alone. It will be built at the intersections.”

Fostering Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

McGregor’s lecture also marked the beginning of her visiting residency at UCLA. During this period, she plans to engage with faculty and students to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation. Her extensive experience includes over 12 years as the executive director of the BeyGOOD Foundation, an organization founded by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter to support marginalized and underserved communities.

Throughout her career, McGregor has designed and led initiatives addressing health disparities and anti-human trafficking efforts. Her expertise has also led her to advise world leaders, corporations, and organizations such as the United Nations. This breadth of experience positions her uniquely to advocate for a collaborative approach to social issues.

As McGregor embarks on her residency at UCLA, she aims to inspire a new generation of leaders to recognize the power of collective action. By breaking down barriers between sectors, she hopes to ignite innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. Her call for “radical collaboration” resonates beyond academia, suggesting a model that could transform how organizations and communities work together for greater systemic change.

In summary, McGregor’s insights and her commitment to fostering collaboration illuminate the path forward in addressing society’s most urgent needs. The discussions and initiatives stemming from her residency at UCLA will likely have a lasting impact on both students and faculty alike.