Ann Beeson has tackled some tough issues in her career as a human rights advocate and litigator, including challenging the National Security Agency’s illegal surveillance of Americans without a warrant and the constitutionality of the Patriot Act. Now, as executive director of US Programmes at George Soros’s Open Society Institute, she confronts another: the far-reaching effects of the deepening recession.

“The economic crisis has already had a huge impact on some of our grantees, and it will only get worse,” says the Texas native. “I feel a tremendous sense of responsibility to use OSI’s resources to support people and communities that in this moment are at greatest risk. Now more than ever, it is crucial that we act boldly to repair the fabric of this country and ensure that all people can participate fully in civic, economic and cultural life.”