My grandfather, Willard Rockwell, was a successful industrialist. Because of his hard work and creative thinking, I inherited a sizable amount of money. From my parents, I inherited a commitment to work for justice and equality.
Growing up in a middle class suburb, I was acutely aware of my privilege and the effects of economic disparity. I was in high school during the height of the civil rights movement, adding to my awareness of inequality in America. When I was at university, the Viet Nam War and Second Wave Feminism ushered me into more overt activism.
With a degree in art/metalsmithing, I found work as a jeweler, but continued my feminist activities. I began using my inherited wealth to support groups and organizations working for women’s rights, justice, and equality. Over time my career in the arts expanded into performance and writing. My philanthropy expanded as well.
For many years I thought I was an oxymoron — a progressive woman with wealth. I was closeted about my philanthropic activities. Then I joined a group of women creating a woman’s foundation in Southwest PA. As a Founding Mother and member of the board, I shifted from being simply a donor to an engaged participant and decision maker.
My world opened up. I no longer felt alone in my passions and politics. I learned about other organizations that supported my values and got involved with them as well — both as a donor and serving on boards and committees.
Patriotic Millionaires is one of those organizations. Patriotic Millionaires believes that the wealthy should pay their fair share of taxes and that people who work should be paid a living wage. I am in total agreement. That is why I joined Patriotic Millionaires and share their philosophy with friends and allies.
Cathy Raphael helps direct her family’s funds at The Pittsburgh Foundation as well as her own at the DANU Fund. She is a founding member of the Women and Girl’s Foundation of Southwest PA and has served on the boards of the Ms. Foundation for Women, Women Donors Network, Women’s Law Project, Society for Contemporary Craft, and the Funding Exchange. She is also the author of a fantasy novel, Journey to the Heart Stone.
Cathy is available to speak to the media about inheritance.
To get in touch with Cathy, please contact Emily McCloskey, Deputy Communications Director, at [email protected].