A strong mission with broad appeal. A nonprofit’s mission must transcend politics and resonate across communities. Our work has always been grounded in values like service, education, and civic responsibility that unite rather than divide. Because our mission is nonpartisan, we are able to engage supporters from diverse backgrounds who may not agree on every issue, but who share a belief in strengthening communities and expanding opportunity. That broad appeal is what allows the work to endure and grow over time.
As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Alice Gonzalez Yates, the Chief Executive Officer of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation, the nonprofit dedicated to preserving and advancing the historic legacies of President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush. Prior to joining the Foundation, she served in leadership roles with the Bush School of Government & Public Service in Washington, D.C., and the Texas A&M Foundation, where she was Assistant Vice President for Strategic Initiatives. In these roles, she focused on strengthening institutions, expanding philanthropic partnerships, and advancing mission-driven impact.
Thank you for making time to visit with us about a ‘top of mind’ topic. Our readers would like to get to know you a bit better. Can you please tell us about one or two life experiences that most shaped who you are today?
I grew up on the southeast side of San Antonio in a mixed community of rural and urban living. My family was part of the rural community because my father always dreamed of having space and learning to manage land and cattle. My parents were really devoted to serving others, both through the professions they chose — my father was a firefighter and my mother was a nurse — and beyond through their passion for volunteering, commitment to friends, and deep love for family. I am exactly who I am because of that agrarian life and the associated value of hard work that came from the community that raised me.
Those experiences led me to Texas A&M University to study agriculture, and my time there really shaped what my life looks like today. It’s where I developed a stronger love of country, found inspiration in public service, and met the love of my life. Upon graduation, I became a military spouse, and 25 years later with a retired Colonel as my husband and three boys as the apples of my eye, I know that my life is a product of the experiences we have shared in service to our country and the military families on the journey with us.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? We would love to hear a few stories or examples.
Humility: Every day I walk into an office adorned with photos and artifacts — an ever-present history of an extraordinary legacy of leadership, selfless service, integrity, and humility. President Bush’s mother instilled those values in him, often reminding him how important it was not to be a “braggadocio.” He always considered the needs of others above his own, and we strive to emulate that at the George & Barbara Bush Foundation.
Work ethic: Growing up with the responsibilities of feeding animals before and after school, completing homework, helping around the house, and serving in the community required a lot of hard work. My dad always taught me that you would never have enough money to show someone how much you cared, but you could work hard for them! It has always been important to me that I lead by example, and I believe there truly is no task too big for any person, regardless of position. As part of the cohort that established the Texas A&M University Bush School campus in Washington, D.C., I learned that sometimes you hold the door and sometimes you hold the meeting — either way, everyone has a purpose and plays an important role in the mission.
Authenticity: I am fortunate to be surrounded by a team of selfless servants, mentored by incredible leaders, and inspired by a legacy whose family embodies the same values we seek to share through our work each day. Whether standing on the stage at the White House to celebrate Former First Lady Barbara Bush in her centennial year with the dedication of a postal stamp or sitting in a conference room full of the next generation of students in public service, representing this extraordinary legacy is a gift!
What’s the most interesting discovery you’ve made since you started leading your organization?
One of the most interesting discoveries has been seeing just how enduring President and Mrs. Bush’s legacies truly are. More than 30 years after their time in the White House — and seven years after their passing — their values continue to improve lives and strengthen communities in very real ways. Their lifelong commitment to service still inspires new generations of public servants and leaders, and their passion for other issues like literacy and volunteerism continues to expand opportunity across America. That sustained impact speaks not only to the relevance of the causes they championed, but to how intentionally they lived.
Can you please tell our readers more about how you or your organization intends to make a significant social impact?
George and Barbara Bush were huge believers in the power of education. Mrs. Bush had a lifelong passion for literacy. She believed that it is the foundation upon which we build full, productive lives as individuals, as families, as communities, and as a nation, and she spent decades championing the importance of family literacy. Yet far too many parents and children still lack the literacy skills they need to thrive, and family literacy programs nationwide are in urgent need of support.
In response to that need, we recently launched the new Barbara Bush Fund for Family Literacy, which will provide grant support to high-quality family literacy programs nationwide. Through the fund, we will invest in programs doing extraordinary work in communities across the country, as well as engage in thought leadership to elevate the issue at the national level. We aim to ensure that the work Mrs. Bush began will continue to expand, adapt, and reach families who need it most, creating impact that will endure for generations to come.
What makes you feel passionate about this cause more than any other?
What makes me most passionate about this work is the mission itself and the example set by President and Mrs. Bush. Their legacies are not defined by a single policy or moment in time, but by the strength of their character, their deep commitment to community, and the way they valued relationships above all else. They believed profoundly in service — not as an abstract ideal, but as a way of life.
Mrs. Bush often said that everyone has something to give — whether it’s time, resources, or talent — and that belief continues to guide our work. At its core, our mission is about empowering people to serve in ways that are meaningful to them and their communities, and knowing that each act of service creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond a single individual.
Without naming names, could you share a story about an individual who benefitted from your initiatives?
One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is the exponential impact of investing in individuals. Through initiatives like scholarships, educational programming, and family literacy efforts, we are working to remove barriers that prevent people from reaching their full potential. That investment often allows people to choose service-oriented paths — whether in public service, education, or community leadership — and to make meaningful contributions to their communities. For example, we’re proud that around 80% of master’s students who graduate from the Bush School go into public service, working across all levels of government to improve lives.
We see this impact ripple outward over time. A student who receives educational support is better positioned to lead with integrity and purpose. A parent who gains literacy skills is better equipped to support their children’s learning and future success. In both cases, the benefits are multigenerational, strengthening families and communities for years to come.
These outcomes reflect the heart of our work: creating opportunity by investing in people, and trusting that individuals will, in turn, create lasting positive change for others.
We all want to help and to live a life of purpose. What are three actions anyone could take to help address the root cause of the problem you’re trying to solve?
When we think about the problems that keep us up at night, it can be easy to feel powerless. But it’s important to remember that no one is expected to solve these challenges alone. Progress happens when individuals take meaningful steps, contribute what they can, and invite others to join them. No matter the challenge you’re tackling, I think three important actions are:
Invite your community into the mission by telling the story often and authentically. People are far more likely to engage when they understand the “why” behind the work and can see how their involvement — no matter how small — makes a difference.
Invest in causes that align with your passion and find like-minded people to join you. Whether you give time, talent, or treasure, every contribution matters. Meaningful change happens when people support work they genuinely care about and stay engaged over time.
Be intentional about including all stakeholders. Creating opportunities for collaboration across generations, sectors, and perspectives strengthens impact and builds lasting solutions. When everyone has a seat at the table, the work becomes more sustainable.
Based on your experience, what are the “5 Things You Need To Create A Successful & Effective Nonprofit That Leaves A Lasting Legacy?” Please share a story or example for each.
1. A strong mission with broad appeal
A nonprofit’s mission must transcend politics and resonate across communities. Our work has always been grounded in values like service, education, and civic responsibility that unite rather than divide. Because our mission is nonpartisan, we are able to engage supporters from diverse backgrounds who may not agree on every issue, but who share a belief in strengthening communities and expanding opportunity. That broad appeal is what allows the work to endure and grow over time.
2. Clear focus and well-defined priorities
One of the biggest challenges nonprofits face is trying to solve too many problems at once. When resources are stretched thin, impact suffers. Successful organizations are disciplined about focus. They understand their purpose and make intentional choices about where to invest time, energy, and resources. By clearly defining what we will and will not do, we ensure that our efforts are aligned with our mission and capable of producing meaningful results.
3. Purpose-driven people
Even the strongest mission will fall short without committed people behind it. Effective nonprofits are powered by individuals — staff, board members, partners, and volunteers — who are deeply aligned with the organization’s purpose. When people believe in the work and understand how their role contributes to the larger mission, it creates a culture of accountability, collaboration, and long-term commitment.
4. The ability to measure and demonstrate impact
To leave a lasting legacy, a nonprofit must be able to show that its work is making a difference. That means setting clear goals, tracking outcomes, and being transparent about results. Whether it’s educational attainment, leadership development, or community engagement, demonstrating impact builds trust with stakeholders and ensures that programs remain relevant and effective.
5. Meeting a real need and solving a real problem
At its core, successful nonprofit work is about addressing genuine needs. Initiatives must be rooted in a clear understanding of the challenges our society faces and designed to create practical, lasting solutions.
How has the pandemic changed your definition of success?
I don’t know that the pandemic changed my definition of success — rather it expanded our ability to achieve success through relaxed work environments, creative social engagements, and a stronger focus on deepening relationships to ensure we build connection with our stakeholders.
How do you get inspired after an inevitable setback?
I am fortunate that the George H.W. Bush Presidential Center is located on the campus of Texas A&M University, so when I need inspiration I just take a walk around campus. President Bush loved “that little school” that bears his name, the George Bush School of Government & Public Service. Those students and the thousands across campus are the next generation of leaders, and they inspire me every single day!
We are very blessed that very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world who you would like to talk to, to share the idea behind your non-profit? He, she, or they might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)
I would welcome the opportunity to speak with Melinda French Gates. Her lifelong commitment to education, families, and expanding opportunity — particularly for women and children — aligns closely with our belief that investing in people creates multigenerational impact. She understands that lasting social change happens when you strengthen families and equip individuals with the tools they need to succeed.
I think there is meaningful common ground in how we view philanthropy: not simply as charity, but as a long-term investment in people, dignity, and community. A conversation like that could help elevate the idea that the issues we focus on, including civic engagement, education, and service, are foundational to building a stronger, more connected society.
You’re doing important work. How can our readers follow your progress online?
You can find the George & Barbara Bush Foundation online at georgeandbarbarabush.org, as well as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Find me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicegonzalezyates/.
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
