2024 Phoenix Zones Initiative Annual Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
6
A LOOK BACK
3
4
LETTER FROM
THE PRESIDENT
MISSION
7A LOOK AHEAD
8
AN INVESTMENT
IN THE FUTURE
5
IMPACT
BY THE NUMBERS
9
THANK YOU
2

Dear Friends,
We are profoundly appreciative of your ongoing support and
generosity. Our work is made possible by people like you.
Like previous years, 2024 presented serious challenges, including
escalating international conflicts, disease rates, and environmental
threats. These crises underscore the importance of our work, and
they also present opportunities to reimagine our relationships with
each other, other beings, and our shared planet.
At Phoenix Zones Initiative, we use our medical and public health
expertise to improve the shared health and wellbeing of people,
animals, and the planet, and to address the roots of global
problems. Last year was no different, thanks to our team’s hard
work and the collaborative engagement of our partners. The year’s
highlights included publications in major media outlets, the launch
of a National Commission on Research Ethics, and leadership on the
international stage.
We also took the opportunity to revisit our ten-year strategic plan
and to re-evaluate how we can meaningfully scale up our work. As
a result, we are building an Institute for Universal Rights, Health &
Justice, which will nurture a workforce equipped to simultaneously
advance human and nonhuman rights, health, and wellbeing.
As we look to the future, we hope that you will join us in our continued
fight to end suffering and exploitation and to protect and uplift the
most vulnerable. With the extraordinary kindness of our donors, we
remain steadfast in our efforts to create a world of Phoenix Zones so
that everyone can thrive.
In gratitude,
Hope Ferdowsian, MD, MPH
Co-founder and President
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OUR MISSION
Many outdated ideas, policies, and practices drive the
exploitation of vulnerable individuals and communities while
fueling global crises such as climate change, disease, and
conflict. We’re on a mission to change that.
OUR VISION
We’re working to create a world of Phoenix Zones—places
that advance the rights, health, and wellbeing of people,
animals, and the planet, allowing society to rise and thrive.
OUR IMPACT
In the heart of where change is possible, we strive to improve
lives and to reimagine social, economic, and legal norms so that
they better protect people, animals, and the planet.
4

IMPACT
BY THE
NUMBERS
1
new
institute
6
continents
22
publications
and
presentations
125
technical
consultations
100M
people
5
While working to build a new
Institute for Universal Rights,
Health & Justice, we delivered
22 presentations and
publications and 125 technical
consultations, with an
estimated reach of more than
100 million people across 6
continents.

2024
A Look Back
2024
In-depth Research
Actual solutions for complex
problems that affect people,
animals, and the planet
Cutting-edge Initiatives
A National Commission on
Research Ethics, equitable
economic tools, and a new
Institute
Technical Consultation
Public Outreach
Events, interviews, and
publications in places such as
Capitol Hill, the AMA Journal
of Ethics, and MSNBC
Professional Education
Internships, training, and
mentorship for medical, law,
and other students
Tools and Resources
Reports, guides, and toolkits
for the public, professionals,
and practitioners
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Expertise and guidance for
nonprofit organizations,
academic institutions, and
the United Nations
Clear Leadership
Moral vision on issues such as
climate change, global
conflict, and disease
prevention
Global Advocacy
Editorials, meetings, and
collaboration with local,
national, and international
leaders and partners

2025
A Look Ahead
In 2025, we will continue our work to end suffering and shape a
better tomorrow by reaching more people through our cuttingedge
programs, innovative ideas, and strong leadership.
Our Institute for Universal Rights, Health & Justice will elevate
our efforts to shape and support a workforce that can better
address today’s and tomorrow’s challenges in our more-thanhuman
world. The Institute will empower emerging leaders,
support educational endeavors, and foster cross-sectoral
collaboration.
The Institute will offer
We hope you will join us in building the Institute for Universal
Rights, Health & Justice—the first of its kind!
7

AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE
Our work is supported entirely by donors like you who entrust us
with your hard-earned dollars. We promise to use every dollar to
create the greatest impact possible. In 2024, 90 percent of our
expenses went directly to our programs.
To make our donors’ dollars go even further, in 2024, we developed
and implemented a sound and socially responsible investment policy
that aligns with our mission and values.
You can show your dedication to ending suffering by exploring all
the ways to give to Phoenix Zones Initiative, including
Online donations through our website
A check mailed to Phoenix Zones Initiative,
13170-B Central Avenue SE, PMB 385,
Albuquerque, NM 87123-5588
Donor Advised Fund (DAF) grants initiated by
contacting your grant administrator
Memorial or Tribute gifts
Legacy Gifts by naming
Phoenix Zones Initiative as a
beneficiary of your estate plan
Learn more at PhoenixZonesInitiative.org. Every gift makes a difference.
I support Phoenix Zones Initiative because they use their unique
expertise to solve some of the greatest challenges of our time for
people, animals, and the planet.
~Dr. Ayanna V. Buckner,
Phoenix Zones Initiative Leadership Circle Innovator
8

THANK YOU
In under a decade, Phoenix Zones Initiative has had a global impact
across seven continents. Supporters like you have helped us become
an international force for people, animals, and the planet.
With the kind-heartedness of our donors, we train current and
future generations of professionals to be more effective leaders,
inspire policy makers to be bolder, and lead the way to dramatic
improvements in social, economic, and legal norms.
Change is possible.
Together, we can improve the lives of people and animals.
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Hope Ferdowsian, MD, MPH
President
Nik Kulkarni, MD
Vice President
Kavita Rajasekhar, MD, MPH
Secretary
Thank you to our all-volunteer
Board of Directors, who generously
support Phoenix Zones Initiative.
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Sonia Silva, MPA
Treasurer
John Gluck, PhD

13170-B Central Avenue SE, PMB 385
Albuquerque, NM 87123-5588
PhoenixZonesInitiative.org
Phoenix Zones Initiative is a 501(c)(3) public charity,
Tax ID #84-2337171.
Copyright 2025 Phoenix Zones Initiative. All rights reserved.