When Nile Rodgers wrote “We Are Family” for Sister Sledge in the 1970s, he never imagined that it would inspire a nonprofit organization more than 20 years later. But it did just that: it helped convince Rodgers and significant other Nancy Hunt to found the We Are Family Foundation after the 9/11 attacks.
“After 9/11, we got together with a bunch of singers and celebrities to re-record the song,” says Hunt. “This event was just people coming together to do good, so we thought maybe we should do more with it.”
The We Are Family Foundation has evolved into an organization that finds extraordinary young people from all around the world who are positively changing their communities. It offers mentorships and provides them with the resources they need to change the world. These global leaders include an 18 year old who is working to end world hunger and a 17 year old from India who is creating life-saving vaccines.
Founders: Nile Rodgers, Nancy Hunt, Ayna Agarwal, Daniel Crown, and Steven Musumeci
Year founded: 2002
Employees: 5 employees
Where we’re based: WeWork Bryant Park
Moment of inspiration: “Our inspiration to do something was 9/11—that was the event,” says Hunt. “We decided we needed to do more good in the world. Nile does it with his music every day, and now I do it with him and with the foundation.”
Biggest hurdle: “The recession,” says Hunt. “There are a lot of organizations that never got through the recession and had to stop and close. I’m very proud of our organization for coming through one of the darkest times in the financial history of America.”
How we want to change the world: “Our idea is empowering the youth to do the extraordinary things they’re doing,” says Hunt. “For me, being able to give those young kids and the next generation of people on this planet that platform is what helps me sleep well at night.”