The vision of the Wilson Foundation is to act as a catalyst for change.
In 1963, the Wilson Foundation was established by Joseph C. Wilson, then Chair of the Board of Xerox Corporation, and his wife, Peggy. As he shepherded his father's company, Haloid, from a small photographic paper manufacturer to the multi-national corporation Xerox, Joe Wilson developed a reputation as a thoughtful leader committed to addressing problems head-on.
Our mission is to affect poverty by increasing housing stability and trauma-informed responsiveness for the youth and families of Rochester, New York.
“Life’s persistent and most urgent question is ‘What are you doing for others?’”
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
Foundation Milestones
Leadership
Now in its fourth generation, the members of the Board of Managers honor the legacy of the founders while advancing their original intentions. Descendants of Joe and Peggy Wilson may be geographically dispersed, but work together in their collective legacy.
Executive Committee
Scott Wilson, Chair
Mimi Tabah, Alternate
Nelli Garton, Treasurer
Joanie Donahue, Secretary
Emma Donahue
Deirdre Garton
Olivia Tabah
Emily Wilson
Board of Managers
Emma Donahue
Joanie Donahue
Taylor Ensign
Deirdre Garton
Nelli Garton
Chris Kling
Jessa McIntosh
Ben Tabah
Isabelle Tabah
Mimi Tabah
Olivia Tabah
Alex Wilson
Deirdre Wilson
Emily Wilson
Joe Wilson
Samantha Wilson
Scott Wilson
Staff
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Rachel Sherman joined the Foundation in 2019 to assist through a transition period and then assumed the role of Vice President overseeing operations, investments, human resources, family engagement, and board activities and development. In 2023, Rachel became the Executive Director, managing all day-to-day activities, including strategic grantmaking, community relationships, and communications. With her leadership the Foundation has leaned in more toward trust-based and catalytic philanthropic principles, and has charted a journey toward becoming a more equitable and antiracist organization. On behalf of the organization, Rachel participates in various community groups and tables geared toward collective action. Prior to joining, Rachel worked as a federal law clerk and an attorney practicing civil litigation. She also served as the Vice President of Client Service of a multi-generational wealth management firm where she helped guide philanthropic families toward greater impact.
Rachel holds a B.S. from Cornell University and a law degree from The Harvard Law School. She has also studied at Oxford University and Monroe Community College, and has completed an intensive leadership training course with the Center for Creative Leadership in Colorado Springs. She developed her habits as a life-long learner as a student in the Rush-Henrietta Central School District (RHCSD) where she received her high school diploma.
Rachel spends her free time volunteering for organizations that assist refugees, children, and those experiencing homelessness as well as that educate others about the history and impact of racism. She is an elected member of the RHCSD school board, as well as the chair of its policy committee. She finds joy in raising her three determined teenagers, tending to her vegetables and flowers in the community garden, and attempting to train her strong-willed husky-mix dog. Rachel is supported ably by her partner and husband of 25 years, Matt.