“When I was growing up, times were different. The way that we would deal with things is what I learned, and that's what I resorted to... I relied on getting a grip. I relied on the generational grit of just sucking it up and getting on with it.”

American philanthropist, activist and entrepreneur

Cynthia Louise Germanotta is an American philanthropist, activist, and entrepreneur. She is best known as the president of the Born This Way Foundation, which she co-founded in 2012 with her daughter, singer Lady Gaga. Her public work centers on the foundation and its mission, which has made her a visible advocate for youth and community support. She is identified with philanthropy and activism, and her name is often associated with that work through her leadership of the organization.