Honoring the Legacy and Leadership of Dr. Kneeland Youngblood
When you hear the name Dr. Kneeland Youngblood, you immediately think of excellence, courage, and purpose-driven leadership. At this year’s Milken Institute Global Conference, we had the privilege of honoring Dr. Youngblood at an intimate luncheon hosted by VC Include at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills.
The room was electric with some of the most influential leaders, investors, and ecosystem builders in the global impact and alternative asset space – all gathered to celebrate a pioneer who has redefined what it means to lead with purpose.
Over the course of a rich 45-minute fireside conversation, INCLUDE Platform Founder Bahiyah Yasmeen Robinson guided Dr. Youngblood through a remarkable reflection on his journey – from the operating table to private equity boardrooms, from physician to pioneering investor managing billions across healthcare, technology, and beyond.
Kneeland shared hard-earned insights from serving on the boards of major companies across the airline, hospitality, and retail sectors – including Gap Inc., American Airlines, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and others. He discussed how investors can shape markets, communities, and even political landscapes through thoughtful engagement and strategic investments in key races. His wisdom challenged us to lead with vision, invest with intention, and center people at the heart of capital.
In classic Kneeland fashion, the conversation was equal parts humility, humor, and insight. One of the most resonant takeaways was his message to the next generation: “When you are in rooms of power, be prepared with an ask – and always leave the door open for others to follow.”
At the core of his legacy, Kneeland emphasized that family is the foundation. He credited his values and drive to the generations before him. After the luncheon, in a private and moving moment, he shared the story of his grandfather.
In the 1920s, his grandfather’s car broke down just outside the gates of Princeton University. Curious and determined, he walked to the campus and asked to tour the school, only to be turned away because of the color of his skin. Years later, Kneeland would not only attend and graduate from Princeton, but return as an agent of legacy. He helped establish a garden plaza on campus, with his grandfather’s name permanently etched into the space. “So he would always have a place at Princeton,” Dr. Youngblood said.
It was a full-circle act of restoration, dignity, and belonging. That spirit is why VC Include proudly presented Dr. Kneeland Youngblood with the inaugural VC Include Icon Award – for decades of transformative leadership and for inspiring all of us who believe that capital must be a force for justice and inclusion.
This milestone event embodied the very mission of VC Include: to accelerate capital, access, and influence for historically underestimated fund managers and leaders shaping the future of global markets.
We extend our deepest thanks to our partners, funders, and ecosystem leaders whose presence made this gathering so special. A heartfelt thank you to Jenn Kenning and Ali Matroni of Align Impact for sponsoring the event and for their ongoing commitment to mobilizing capital for good.
We left inspired — and energized to keep opening doors for the next generation of investors and builders. To continue the conversation and stay connected to the movement, visit vcinclude.com.
