La June Montgomery Tabron is both the first woman and the first African American to serve as president and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, one of the largest philanthropic foundations in the world. In 2023, Inside Philanthropy named Tabron one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in US Philanthropy, and the New York Times named her a Groundbreaker at its annual Dealbook Summit. She has spoken at the Aspen Ideas Festival, the Clinton Global Initiative, the Essence Festival of Culture, and the University of Oxford. She lives in Battle Creek, Michigan. 

From a vivid portrait of her childhood in 1960s Detroit to her leadership of one of the world’s largest philanthropic institutions, La June shares her full-circle, American story – a coming-of-age journey where she gains a first-hand understanding of how systemic racism prevents our children and communities from thriving and learns about the transformative role healing can play in helping all of us transcend the legacy of racial inequity.

As she rises to her position as the first female and first African American leader of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, La June experiences the healing power of sharing and listening with empathy. And with the help of mentors and colleagues, she refines the message that will guide the foundation’s mission for years to come: Healing can begin only with truth telling.

Empowered by the mission set forth by its founder to support children and families “without regard to sex, race, creed, or nationality,” the foundation explores a racial healing framework that transforms communities and individuals around the world—from small rural towns and big cities across the United States, including La June’s own beloved Detroit to Mexico, Haiti, and beyond.

This book serves as a testament to the power of transformation and a blueprint for how each of us, no matter who we are or how we lead, can use racial healing to bridge the empathy deficits in our communities.

How We Heal illuminates a path that all of us can follow—from trust to empathy, from understanding to repair—one conversation and one connection at a time.

"For those willing to engage with the hard truths of our history, How We Heal is an indispensable resource and an inspiring beacon of hope"

"How We Heal is a mission statement from one of the finest leaders in American philanthropy"

"A clarion call to action for all of us...a must read."

Mitch Landrieu

Former White House Senior Advisor and Founder of E Pluribus Unum

Marc Morial

Stacey Abrams

President and CEO of the National Urban League

New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur and political leader

"In How We Heal, La June Montgomery Tabron provides what I believe is the oxygen of democracy: hope."

"How We Heal charts this journey in vivid detail and makes a persuasive case that other leaders should follow."

"Tabron's memoir offers a powerful account of success and its social commentary challenges readers to persist in the fight for equality."

Darren Walker

Robert F. Smith

Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners

President of the Ford Foundation

Kirkus Reviews