BRAC USA’s 2024 annual report: letter from the CEO

BY JULIA ROBERTS

 
The following letter was originally published in BRAC USA’s 2024 Annual Report. View the report here.
 
Dear friends,

I had the amazing opportunity to close off 2024 with several weeks in Bangladesh. I met dozens of Extraordinary Women—women who harness not only the tools, knowledge, and financing to succeed, but also the hope and confidence to chart ambitious paths for themselves and their families.

I learned valuable insights from women participating in Graduation programs and how they used the skills to lift their families out of extreme poverty. I met Rohingya children crowding outside their Play Lab early, excitedly awaiting class, the sounds of their laughter and joy bubbling over. I spoke with women who have borrowed from BRAC for decades, helping them grow businesses and save large sums of money for their families’ futures. I visited BRAC social enterprises and witnessed the power of solving market barriers, sustainably—and remaining focused solely on the client benefit decades later.

In this report, you’ll find stories of Extraordinary Women like the ones I met. There are millions more women with similar stories of resilience, ambition and success. As a BRAC supporter, you play a vital role in helping women access the knowledge, tools, markets, financing, and hope that make these successes possible. Thank you.

Since I joined BRAC USA in April 2024, so much has changed. As international aid in the U.S. and abroad faces drastic cuts, years of progress against poverty and inequality are under threat in the communities BRAC serves.

But at the same time, much has stayed the same. Impact at scale is still within our reach. BRAC’s committed staff, supporters, and advocates continue to dedicate their time and resources to reaching the people living in situations of extreme vulnerability, elevating their voices, and partnering with them to deliver effective, lasting solutions.

As 2025 progresses, we will continue to face tremendous challenges. As climate shocks risk pushing more families into poverty, we must deliver solutions that help communities recover and adapt. As a growing number of young people enter adulthood with limited prospects, we must help youth forge secure, meaningful futures with opportunities for fulfilling work. As extreme poverty persists in many corners of the globe, we must scale the proven solutions that we know work.

Tackling these barriers will be no small feat. But I know that BRAC is up to the challenge—especially with a strong community by our side. To the BRAC family of supporters: You are a vital part of BRAC’s impact. Your commitment propels this powerful work. Thank you for being the committed global citizens you are.

Thank you for believing in Extraordinary Women, today and every day. Your support keeps proving that hope is a mighty force against even the biggest of challenges. I am thrilled to keep partnering with committed advocates like you as we support thousands more people to achieve their dreams.

 
 
 
Julia Roberts
President and CEO, BRAC USA
 
For comprehensive updates, stories, and data from 2024, read BRAC USA’s 2024 Annual Report.