Tracy Palandjian Receives Ellis Island Medal of Honor

BOSTON, MA — May 2026 — Social Finance CEO & Co-Founder Tracy Palandjian has been selected as a 2026 recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, one of the nation’s most prestigious distinctions awarded annually to Americans whose accomplishments have strengthened the nation and impacted communities. 

A native of Hong Kong who came to the United States at age 14 to attend Milton Academy, Tracy co-founded Social Finance in 2011 to pioneer the Pay For Success financing model in the United States. Under her leadership over the past 15 years, Social Finance has mobilized more than $500 million in investments to create measurable results in workforce development, education, health, and housing. 

Awarded annually sine 1986 and formally recognized by both houses of Congress, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor honors Americans whose professional achievements and civic contributions reflect the values of the immigrant experience. Past recipients include eight U.S. Presidents, Nobel Laureates, and leaders across government, science, and culture. Each year’s class is memorialized in the Congressional Record.  

Tracy was honored at a ceremony in Ellis Island’s Great Hall alongside fellow honorees from business, education, public service, and the arts. 

About Social Finance 

Social Finance is a national nonprofit and registered investment adviser that brings government, philanthropy, and business leaders together to put capital to work in new ways to improve systems and expand opportunity. Learn more at socialfinance.org.