Greg Weatherford II, a 2013 graduate in family and consumer sciences and director of The Allstate Foundation and Social Impact, was named to the TIME100 Philanthropy 2026 list under the “Leaders” section, a list selected by TIME recognizing the 100 most influential people in philanthropy across the world.
Other honorees from this year’s list include MacKenzie Scott, Rihanna, Lionel Messi, Steven Spielberg, Shakira, and Charles Schwab.
“Knowing how prestigious the different TIME100 vehicles are, I was completely honored to be nominated,” Weatherford said. “First and foremost, it’s important for us that we’re able to have impacts on people in the community, but it’s a nice testament to the work that it’s resonating in a way that people are feeling that impact in a tangible way.”
Weatherford II has long had a passion for philanthropy and nonprofit work. He was just 12 years old when he started his first nonprofit, raising funds to provide microgrants to other young people to launch their own community service projects.
He credits his parents for instilling that passion of giving by doing everything they could to help those around them, including taking people to church, making meals for those who were sick, and making appreciation gifts for teachers.
“The other part that was so special for me was the connection that came from service and getting to work together with other people, specifically with other young people,” he said. “It was such a great way to make new friends. That was something that really resonated with me.”
When Weatherford II was researching universities, he landed on TXST because of its reputation of being embedded in the community, the success of alumni entering service careers, and former university president Denise Trauth, Ph.D.
“I was really looking at the leadership, and I was just a huge fan of Dr. Trauth,” he said. “I thought she was a strong leader who led with such integrity and vision.”
Weatherford II started at The Allstate Foundation in July 2022 as the Youth Empowerment Program Officer and was later promoted to his current role in October 2024. He now oversees the Foundation’s philanthropic and grant-making strategy.
In just four years with the Foundation, he has helped lead key efforts including The Allstate Foundation Research-to-Impact Initiative, The Allstate Foundation College Service Grants program, and The Power of Youth Service Research Report with Gallup. In addition, he helped launch The Allstate Foundation National Youth Service Summit, a national conference that brings together a cohort of youth changemakers to accelerate their growth, leadership development, and long-term social impact. Outside of his work with The Allstate Foundation, he also authored a leadership book, The Intentional Navigator.
Current TXST student and Weatherford II’s mentee, Jocelyn Auxier, a senior health sciences and fine motor therapy major, was in the inaugural cohort of the Summit and has been involved ever since.