Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders in Non-Profit of 2023. In today's non-profit world, women make up more than 70% of professionals, a sector that holds significant importance in the U.S. economy, contributing a substantial $1.4 trillion to the American economy in the first quarter of 2022. Armed with their strong leadership abilities and a pioneering spirit, these women are leaving a profound mark on the communities they serve across various domains. This includes the orchestration of grassroots fundraising initiatives, spearheading global movements, and a myriad of other impactful endeavors.
Notably, research has demonstrated that nonprofits led by women in top positions tend to achieve greater success. They consistently outperform their counterparts in realizing their missions, attaining their objectives, and fostering higher employee satisfaction with the organization's overall performance. Acknowledging the evident influence of female leaders, this year's list of awardees includes women who have played pivotal roles in guiding their non-profits across diverse sectors such as education, housing, environmental conservation, healthcare, and various others.
Among the distinguished honorees featured on this year's list, Wendy Sullivan stands out, leveraging nearly four decades of advocacy experience in her capacity as CEO of Easterseals Midwest, where her leadership has propelled the organization to become the largest provider of developmental disability services in Missouri. Another exemplary figure is Jennifer Harris, who holds the position of Senior Vice President of Philanthropy at the National Park Foundation, overseeing a team of more than 20 experts dedicated to generating an impressive annual sum of over $30 million in support of national parks.
Lastly, we have Mona Mourshed, a seasoned leader in the education and workforce domains, who brings her extensive expertise to the role of founding Global CEO at Generation; her accolades include being previously recognized as one of Fortune Magazine's "40 Under 40" honorees and her authorship of widely-cited reports in the field of education.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders in Non-profit of 2023.
1. Kimberly Coley
Chief Development Officer, American Red Cross
In January 2019, Kimberly Coley was named Regional Chief Development Officer for the Gold Country Region of the American Red Cross. In this position, she is responsible for strengthening community partnerships, leading staff and volunteer teams, stewarding donors, and increasing the overall financial health of the organization locally. She is a visionary and highly innovative, collaborative leader who is passionate about building a healthy workplace culture and coaching high-performing teams.
Kimberly brings 15 years of management experience with her to Gold Country, where she formerly served as executive director for the Central California Region of the American Red Cross. As executive director, she led a talented team of humanitarians who served the 1.6 million residents of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. She passionately built personalized relationships with donors, volunteers, business leaders, and community members, and promoted the Red Cross mission to advance the critical services of disaster relief, health and safety, blood donation, and services to the armed forces.
Prior to the Red Cross, Kimberly served as the vice president of external affairs for the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast. She has held many leadership positions throughout the state of California and has worked in the non-profit, public, and private sectors. Coley graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with an undergraduate degree in human ecology.
2. Brea Jones
Chief Operating Officer, The Nature Conservancy
Brea Jones is the Chief Operating Officer of The Nature Conservancy. She first joined the company in 2012 as strategic communications manager. The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental non-profit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Since its founding in 1951, The Nature Conservancy has protected more than 117 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers worldwide and they operate more than 100 marine conservation projects globally. They have more than 1 million members and work in 76 countries and territories, using a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. Jones is tasked with overseeing the administrative, financial, operational, executive, and people functions for the California Chapter of The Nature Conservancy.
Previously, Jones was a director of communications at NatureBridge. Earlier in her career she worked with San Joaquin Media Group as an online editor. Jones earned an MBA from the University of San Francisco and an undergraduate degree in journalism, political science, and human communication from California State University, Chico.
3. Colleen Finn Ridenhour
Chief Growth and Strategy Officer, Feed the Children
Colleen Ridenhour is the Chief Growth and Strategy Officer of Feed the Children. Established in 1979, Feed the Children exists to defeat childhood hunger. It is one of the largest US-based charities, and serves those in need within the US and 8 countries around the world. It provides food, education initiatives, essentials, and disaster response. In her role, Ridenhour is responsible for leading the organization's strategic plan that will advance its mission, growth strategy, and impact. She has oversight of marketing, branding, and fundraising programs and is charged with leading US program development and implementation to ensure the organization's increased contribution to reducing childhood hunger. Ridenhour has 27 years of experience. She began her career in 1996.
Before joining Feed the Children, Ridenhour was a chief development officer at Habitat for Humanity International, and before that a senior director of corporate alliances at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Earlier in her career she worked with DMB&B Advertising (Mediavest) as an assistant media planner. Ridenhour graduated from Wake Forest University with an undergraduate degree in health and sports science.
4. Janice Aeppli
SVP of Chapter Operations, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Janice Hurtado Aeppli joined AFSP in 2006 as the Midwest regional director where she worked with the Illinois Chapter to grow the Chicago community walk to be the number one fundraising walk in the country. She was the first to serve as a division director when AFSP’s division structure was first implemented in 2008 and then became senior director for the Central Division in 2015. In her current role as Senior Vice President, she is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic management, growth, and development of AFSP’s national chapter structure.
Before joining AFSP, Aeppli worked for United Way placing and training corporate women and people of color to serve on non-profit boards of directors. She has worked and volunteered on the board level with national non-profit organizations such as United Way, the YWCA, AIDSWalk, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, and the Boys and Girls Clubs. Her expertise includes work in board development, capacity building, diversity & inclusion, volunteer recruitment, conflict resolution, fundraising, marketing & communications, event planning, and non-profit management. Aeppli attended Binghamton University where she received a degree in political science and holds a master’s degree in public relations from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. She also holds an executive certificate for diversity and inclusion from Cornell University.
5. Priyanka Sharma
Vice President, World Education
As Vice President of World Education, Priyanka Sharma oversees the organization’s US education portfolio and co-leads Digital US, a national collective cross-sector impact initiative that is designing and implementing a learn and work ecosystem that fosters digital resilience for all. With her leadership at World Education, she supports the global organization’s dedication to enriching people’s lives worldwide through education, public health, and social and economic development programming. An expert in innovative project design, Sharma continues to provide leadership to multiple national initiatives on college and career readiness, financial literacy, technology integration, and digital literacy.
With a deep commitment to social justice and community involvement, Sharma brings an equity-centered perspective to her work. As a first-generation immigrant, Sharma has a firm belief in the transformative power of education and technology and integrates equity in her work through human-centered design. Sharma continues to develop and lead innovative projects that advance digital equity and leverage technology to increase the reach and impact of education and workforce programs.
Sharma has over 18 years of experience in non-profit leadership in adult education, and career and college readiness. She advises diverse digital initiatives, including leading employers, non-profits, and organization’s global projects. Sharma also serves as a Board member of the groundbreaking organization, We Care Solar, which works at the intersection of education, health, and climate change. She has a degree in biology and anthropology from the State University of New York.
6. June Koegel
Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Volunteers of America
June Koegel is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Volunteers of America. Volunteers of America is more than a non-profit organization. They are a ministry of service that includes 16,000 paid, professional employees dedicated to helping those in need to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. As EVP and COO, Koegel leads Volunteers of America’s affiliate relations initiatives to provide enhanced, supportive services and opportunities to affiliates, oversees the operations of the national office, works with the National Board of Directors, and helps position Volunteers of America as they look for new opportunities.
A commissioned minister, Koegel has been with Volunteers of America for 32 years, serving for 26 years as president and CEO of Volunteers of America Northern New England. She developed the Northern New England affiliate from an initial startup in 1992 to an organization that benefits the lives of more than 7,000 individuals each year. She led the effort in Maine to bring evidence-based practices and programming to the criminal justice system, developed 12 affordable senior housing facilities throughout Maine and New Hampshire, and created Camp POSTCARD – a summer camp for 165 children in need working with law enforcement officers.
Koegel has been very active in Volunteers of America nationally, serving on the national board of directors, the executive committee, and the National Ecclesiastical Board. She has served on the boards of Leading Age Maine and New Hampshire, Jobs for Maine Graduates, and Maine Council of Churches, and chaired the Statewide Veterans Advisory Council and the Maine Criminal Justice Commission. Koegel holds an undergraduate degree in social work from Ball State University and a JD from the Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis.
7. Laura Makaroff
SVP of Prevention & Early Detection, American Cancer Society
Dr. Laura Makaroff is a family physician and Senior Vice President of Prevention and Early Detection at the American Cancer Society. She oversees a broad portfolio of cancer prevention and early detection initiatives including health equity, cancer screening, HPV vaccination, tobacco control, comprehensive cancer control, and other national partnerships.
Prior to joining ACS, Dr. Makaroff served as a senior clinical advisor for the Bureau of Primary Health Care at the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA). She completed a fellowship in health policy at Georgetown University and The Robert Graham Center in Washington, DC. She completed her residency in family medicine at the University of Colorado Hospital and was previously in solo, private practice outside of Denver, CO.
8. Deborah Gokie
Vice President, Consumer Health and Ease of Use, Arthritis Foundation
Deborah Gokie is the Vice President of Consumer Health and Ease of Use at the Arthritis Foundation, leading innovative collaborative partnerships for the Arthritis Foundation, overseeing the Foundation’s licensing program, with a focus on easy-to-use design elements for packages and products in the market today. More than 60 million Americans and many children live with arthritis, and the Arthritis Foundation is boldly pursuing a cure for America's #1 cause of disability while championing the fight to conquer arthritis with life-changing science, resources, advocacy, and community connections. With more than 25 years in the non-profit industry, Deborah is an innovative strategic fundraising leader who is mission-centered and drives outcomes through integrated strategies. She can identify opportunities, foresee barriers, and implement plans to complete company objectives.
Deborah’s proven ability to cultivate and sustain relationships at the highest levels with corporate partners, donors, staff, volunteers, and community members has led to successful long-lasting partnerships throughout her career. Deborah is a successful leader and strategic visionary who drives cross-functional collaborations resulting in the achievement and growth of organizational goals. She has presented at several leadership workshops for women and has had the fortunate experience of being supported by many women in her career. Gokie attended the University of Nebraska-Kearney with a focus on business, management, and marketing.
9. Madhuvanti Deshmukh
Vice President - Program Strategies & Impact, CARE
Madhu Deshmukh is currently the Vice President of Program Strategies and Impact at CARE. In her role, she leads a team that serves as an architect of CARE’s programmatic strategies for scaling impact for poor and marginalized populations, especially women and girls, around the world. She provides leadership and oversight on thematic areas including Food and Water Security, Education, Health and Equality Rights, Gender Justice, and relationship management with CARE Member Partners. She leads a team with a mandate to generate, harvest, cross-fertilize, fund, communicate, and promote the practical application of technical knowledge, insights, and analysis throughout CARE and beyond.
Prior to this role, Deshmukh served as the chief operating officer (COO) for the ICRW (International Centre for Research on Women & Girls) Asia Regional Office providing leadership and support to action research on issues related to gender, sexual and reproductive health, adolescent girls, gender-based violence, HIV/AIDS, and girls’ education. Deshmukh has also served as the director for health, gender, and MNCH at the UN Foundation, where she led a global program partnering with WHO and several global NGOs focusing on innovations and the use of technology for maternal and newborn health, with a gender and women’s empowerment lens.
She was recently featured in Phenomenal She – 100 Inspiring Women Leaders in India. Deshmukh holds an MA in social sciences from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and loves music, travel, and reading.
10. Mona Mourshed
Founding Global CEO, Generation
Mona Mourshed is the founding Global CEO of Generation. Mourshed has decades of experience as a leader in the education and workforce space. She authored widely cited education reports, including Education to Employment: Getting Europe’s Youth Into Work, Education to Employment: Designing a System That Works, How the World’s Most Improved School Systems Keep Getting Better, and How the World’s Best Performing School Systems Come Out on Top.
Mourshed previously founded and led McKinsey & Company’s global education practice, and led McKinsey’s global social responsibility agenda. She was selected as one of Fortune Magazine’s 40 under 40. She sits on the boards of Last Mile Health, New America, and Teach for All, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Also, she is a Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation Entrepreneur, and previously served on the Board of Governors of the International Baccalaureate Organization. Mourshed has a BA from Stanford University and a PhD from MIT. She holds dual Egyptian and American citizenship.
11. Cici Ebersole
Chief Talent Officer, Ducks Unlimited
Cici leads the Human Resources function at Ducks Unlimited and is a member of DU's Executive Leadership Team. Before joining DU, she held senior HR leadership roles at several top organizations including Smith & Nephew, Express Scripts (now part of Cigna), and Jackson Hewitt. Cici began her career in Human Resources as an employment law attorney and has since had an extensive and successful history of working in the non-profit, supply chain, medical device, healthcare, financial services, and retail. She is skilled in proactive employee relations and engagement, culture building, organizational planning, recruiting, and leadership development. Cici has a passion for helping leaders in their professional development journey and finding strengths in their organizations. With over 20 years of experience in employment law and human resources, Cici brings credibility to the human resources function as a true organizational partner.
She is a member of the Society of Human Resources Executive Network, the SHRM Voice of Work panel, the Chief HR Officer Council at the Conference Board, as well as an Advisory Board Member of the Women in Leadership Program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She holds an MBA from the University of Central Arkansas as well as a JD, and an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of the Philippines. In Cici's spare time, she enjoys traveling with her family, reading, yoga, and enjoying the outdoors. She manages a busy household, made up of two young children, two huge dogs, and a cat, with her husband of 18 years.
12. Beth Alexander
Vice President of Development, Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee
Beth Alexander is the Vice President of Development at Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee. She is a tireless, results-driven leader with more than 25 years of leadership in sectors from non-profits to media to public companies. For more than 60 years, the locally operated non-profit organization Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee has provided job training and job placement free of charge to people with disabilities or other barriers to employment through the sale of donated items. Goodwill's vision is that all people will have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential through the power of work.
A former contributing editor for the Nashville Scene, Alexander was an editor and publisher at Nfocus magazine for 8 years, increasing circulation by 50% and ad sales by 30% YOY for more than 4 consecutive years. A skilled editor and writer, she has led marketing and communications for a full-service financial institution, directed and executed internal and external communications; developed collateral materials for sales teams; and created internal and external campaign management, communications briefs, and messaging as needed for the founding CEO.
A committed volunteer nationally and locally, she has served as president of the Leadership Nashville Alumni Association and 9 other non-profit boards. A national public speaker for voluntarism, and trainer in communications, group growth and dynamics, motivation, and fundraising, she designed and conducted training around the US in communications and motivation. She has led diversity training and development as an Association of Junior Leagues international board member and served on the boards of Family Service America and the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, advocating for children on local, regional, and national levels. Her community fundraising record consistently includes sold-out events with typical results 33% higher than the prior year. Alexander earned an undergraduate degree in marketing management from the ABA School of Bank Marketing.
13. Lisa Peterson
Executive Director and Senior Vice President, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
As Senior Vice President and Executive Director of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Lisa Peterson is responsible for the overall operation of this 1,800-acre wildlife park located near Escondido. She oversees guest services, retail operations, facilities, horticulture, wildlife care, team engagement, team development, experiences, and community relations. On any given day, Lisa can be found empowering over 1,000 team members to care for wildlife and inspiring the next generation of conservationists. She leads the development of authentic and immersive experiences for guests and the local community. Each day, Peterson strives to create an environment where conservation is accessible to thousands of guests as they discover how the magic of wildlife and nature come together.
Peterson’s leadership experience in the hospitality industry includes many notable achievements. In 2009, she became regional vice president at White Lodging, leading a portfolio that included hotels in Utah, Arizona, California, and Colorado. After 25 years in this industry, she had the opportunity to join the retail team at Apple. Lisa felt so fortunate to be able to lead several different teams, including the team at the flagship store in San Francisco. In 2016, she was invited to return to White Lodging as regional vice president, working with a portfolio of hotels in Florida, Louisville, and California. She also led Women in Leadership sessions to promote an inclusive environment for up-and-coming female leaders. In 2017, an extraordinary opportunity to join a mission-focused organization provided her the chance to combine her passion for people, wildlife, and conservation.
Peterson serves on the board of directors of the North San Diego Business Chamber and San Pasqual Lake Hodges Planning Group. She also serves on the Diversity Committee of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
14. Melissa Ho
Senior Vice President, Freshwater & Food, World Wildlife Fund
Melissa D. Ho, Senior Vice President for Freshwater & Food at WWF-US, leads an integrated team working on place-based and market-based initiatives that aim to protect freshwater resources, conserve critical landscapes, and strengthen regenerative, resilient food systems.
Melissa has over 20 years of experience as a scientist, policy advisor, and development professional and takes a system’s approach to address the two biggest threats to nature and climate: agriculture and infrastructure. Throughout her career, Melissa has leveraged a keen focus on the intersection of water and agriculture, and the connections to health, energy, and development. She has worked at the landscape level, with large-scale irrigation systems, agricultural value chain development, and community-based water resource management, as well as at the household level driving water technology adoption through the private sector and addressing gender inequity and child malnutrition through nutrition-sensitive agriculture interventions. Melissa came to WWF from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), where she oversaw a $1.5B portfolio of public sector investments in energy, water, and agriculture infrastructure in West Africa. Prior to that, Melissa served at USAID where she oversaw the technical team responsible for strategy development and integration for Feed the Future, the US Government’s global hunger and food security initiative. Melissa was an early member of the Agriculture Development team at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where she led a portfolio of grants related to agricultural water management, extension, and data systems. Melissa has also served in various capacities in the US Congress.
In 2021, Melissa was appointed to the National Academies Climate Security Roundtable. She currently serves on the board of several domestic and international organizations. She has a PhD in plant physiology from the Pennsylvania State University, an MSc in soil science (plant-water relations) from the University of California, Davis, and a BSc in environmental systems from Cornell University.
15. Catherine Milone
Chief Development Officer, Junior Achievement USA
Catherine joined Junior Achievement USA in 2022, after eighteen years as president of the organization’s statewide operation in NJ. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as Chief Development Officer, Catherine leads JA USA’s development strategies that support the organization’s transformational goals and operational objectives.
Before JA USA, Catherine was president of JA New Jersey where she managed statewide operations impacting one million NJ youth during her tenure. Since 2004, Catherine and her team expanded JA NJ by 455% and have been awarded five national Peak Performance Team Awards and the coveted Charles R. Hook Award, JA USA’s most prestigious honor recognizing an area president and staff for their outstanding performance.
Catherine serves as an independent director for the KearnyBank Foundation and is a member of the Board of Trustees for Focus NJ, Inc. Catherine was appointed to the NJ State Employment and Training Commission in 2016 and is Chair of their Youth Vision Council. Her acknowledgments include NJBIZ Best 50 Women in Business; NJBIA Leonard C. Johnson Award; African American Chamber of Commerce NJ 2022 Women Who Empower; YWCA Princeton Tribute to Women; and Muriel Siebert Financial Literacy Partnership Award. She is a graduate of Lead New Jersey, Class of 2011. Catherine earned her BS in business and marketing at Utica College of Syracuse University.
16. Wendy Sullivan
Chief Executive Officer, Easterseals Midwest
Wendy Sullivan is a non-profit executive with more than 38 years of experience advocating for and serving individuals with developmental disabilities. Currently, Sullivan is CEO of Easterseals Midwest, which serves more than 5,000 individuals and families with disabilities. Under her leadership, the company has grown to be the largest organization of services to people with developmental disabilities in Missouri.
Sullivan discovered her passion for helping people early on in life. She says her parents taught her to make a difference in her community, which she implemented in high school when she began volunteering to work with children with developmental disabilities. She hasn’t stopped since. She began her career in disability services at the Special School District of St. Louis working directly with children with multiple disabilities. Sullivan graduated from Fontbonne University with an undergraduate degree in special education and teaching. When she’s not overseeing her organization or volunteering, she’s spending time with her six grown children and five grandkids, out hiking, or just enjoying a good book.
17. Nina Longino
Executive Director, iMentor
Nina Longino is an Executive Director of iMentor. She leads all aspects of the iMentor 1:1 mentoring program in Chicago Public Schools (CPS), building on the team’s successes with their five CPS partner schools and navigating opportunities to grow and better serve the city. Nina came to iMentor Chicago in 2018 from Woodlawn Children’s Promise Community (WCPC), a South Side Chicago non-profit modeled on the Harlem Children’s Zone. Nina spent eight years at WCPC, the last two as executive director.
Before coming to Chicago, Nina worked in higher education as the assistant dean for multicultural affairs at Fordham University. She is a graduate of Tufts University and is a past fellow of the University of Chicago’s Civic Leadership Academy.
18. Rachel Martinez de Canada
Chief Culture & Operating Officer, Breakthrough Collaborative
Rachel Martinez de Canada is the Chief Culture and Operating Officer of Breakthrough Collaborative. Breakthrough Collaborative has been improving educational outcomes for young people since 1978, with the establishment of a single site at University High School in San Francisco. Over the last 20 years, they have grown into a collective of independent sites across the country. Today, the Breakthrough national office located in Oakland, CA serves a collaborative network of 24 Breakthrough affiliates throughout the US by providing program standards and resources including curricula, evaluation tools, and teaching fellow recruitment.
Martinez de Canada brings extensive recruiting, admissions, and outreach experience to Breakthrough Collaborative. Prior to joining Breakthrough, she worked as the associate director of admissions at the University of Minnesota Law School where she was responsible for recruitment, administered the school’s scholarship program, and designed a summer admissions preparation program for underrepresented students. Martinez de Canada also worked in undergraduate admissions where she served as the Chicano/Latino outreach coordinator and admissions counselor, and has also worked in corporate recruiting. A proud Gopher, Martinez de Canada graduated from the University of Minnesota with Distinction with a BA in sociology and Chicano studies.
19. Shari Krull
Chief Executive Officer, StreetWise Partners
Shari Krull is a champion of economic equity and opportunity advancement for under-served communities as well as a recognized organizational change agent within the non-profit space. She is currently the CEO of StreetWise Partners, an innovative mentoring program driving career success for over 650 adults each year. Over the past seven years, Shari has transformed the organization from a grassroots operation to a national movement, operating in multiple cities and engaging 2000+ volunteers each year. Before Streetwise, Shari was the executive director of Grace Institute where she led the transformation of a century-old organization into a market leader in workforce development.
Shari spent her early career supporting vulnerable families within the foster care and mental health systems. Shari served as an advocate for the District Attorney’s office in Brooklyn where she empowered survivors of domestic violence. In the early 2000s, Shari transitioned into the mentoring field, spending 11 years with Catholic Big Sisters and Big Brothers, where she held positions of program director, development director, and managing director.
Shari has a masters in social work from Columbia University. She has served as an Adjunct Professor for New York University and is a member of the Board of Trustees for the New York City Employment and Training Coalition. She is an advisor to The Ready Foundation as well.
Shari works in NYC and lives on Long Island with her two children, 5 fish, and their beloved bearded dragon.
20. Jennifer Harris
Senior Vice President of Philanthropy, National Park Foundation
As the Senior Vice President of philanthropy, Jennifer Harris oversees a team of more than 20 philanthropy experts, supporting NPF's campaign team, planned and annual giving efforts, donor relations, strategic services, and prospect research and portfolio management. Her team annually generates over $30M a year to support our national parks. Working with her team and other NPF colleagues, Jennifer focuses on strategic, systematic growth. Specializing in research-driven solutions for non-profit organizations throughout her career, she has a proven record of developing and harnessing strategic plans, community partnerships, board networks, strong teams, and relationships to drive significant fundraising outcomes.
Before the National Park Foundation, Jennifer was a senior vice president at Graham-Pelton, where she worked with national and global non-profits to drive fundraising outcomes and operational excellence. Jennifer also previously worked at Northwestern Memorial Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Northwestern Medicine. While there, she developed and launched a comprehensive community granting program. Jennifer also created a strategic plan and strategy, which helped secure the largest historic gift at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage. Jennifer has served in numerous advancement roles, including executive director of advancement at National Louis University (NLU), where she led the team to secure its most significant historical grants. Under her leadership at NLU, the organization more than tripled fundraising in four years. Jennifer is also the volunteer publisher and editorial director of JackLeg Press. She and her family are often out and about in DC. You might catch them hiking in Rock Creek Park or riding bikes around the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.
21. Jessica Muroff
Chief Executive Officer, United Way Suncoast
Jessica Muroff is the Chief Executive Officer for United Way Suncoast, one of Florida’s largest United Ways. Muroff ensures connections are made that cultivate growth, increase community impact, and optimize the delivery of the organization’s strategic priorities. These programs fight for the education and financial stability of every person in the community, giving children the skills to succeed, helping adults achieve long-term financial stability, as well as activating caring individuals through volunteerism.
Prior to joining United Way Suncoast in 2019, Muroff was the CEO of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. She began her non-profit career at Frameworks of Tampa Bay, Inc. where she served as CEO for two years, and was previously the organization’s director of marketing and communications. Prior to working in the non-profit sector, Muroff was manager of account services at Raymond James Financial, Inc., director of marketing at Saks Fifth Avenue, and an account executive at Roberts Communications.
Muroff is a graduate of the University of South Florida with an MA in secondary English education and a BA in mass communications with a minor in International studies. She lives in Tampa, Florida with her husband Owen LaFave, and is the proud mother of two daughters and two bonus sons. With a passion for writing, in her free time, Muroff runs a parenting blog called The Be Present Project.
22. Christian Nunes
National President, National Organization for Women
Christian Nunes became the National Organization for Women’s president in August 2020. She was previously appointed vice president by the board in May 2019. As the second African-American president in the organization’s history, the youngest person of color, and the youngest president in more than 40 years, Nunes is leading the organization through an intersectional lens, bringing a diverse coalition of grassroots activists to work against structural sexism and racism. Nunes is a former NOW board member and committee chair, as well as a licensed clinical social worker, consultant, and woman-minority business owner. She is an active community organizer and public speaker, regularly featured at events such as the March for Black Women, and Women’s March Events, and rallies around the country in support of the Equal Rights Amendment and immigration rights. Along with her activism for mental health, Nunes has more than 20 years of experience advocating for children’s and women’s issues.
Since assuming a leadership role at NOW, Nunes has launched key initiatives such as the Unlock the Future campaign, which demands humane treatment for detained immigrant families, in particular women and girls seeking refuge from sexual violence, assault, and poverty. She led the creation of a Bill of Rights for Immigrant Women and Girls, which has been signed by thousands of supporters and co-sponsors. She is also spearheading racial equity training for all levels of the organization, including NOW’s grassroots membership. Nunes is the founder of a behavioral health and consulting practice, where she assisted social service and behavioral health companies, and provided direct mental health services to individuals and families. Her expertise in mental health helps her to understand the direct experience of constituents and understand where policy and legislation are disconnected from the real experience of the people. “It helps me become a better activist and advocate, as well as understand the pieces that are often missing in policy and legislation,” Nunes says.
She received her undergraduate degree in social work (BSW) from Northern Arizona University, her MS degree from Columbia University, and her MBA from the University of Phoenix.
23. Shane Woods
Executive Director, Girlstart
Shane Woods is Girlstart’s Executive Director. Girlstart is an Austin, Texas-based non-profit organization celebrating 25 years of engaging girls in informal educational opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Despite making up nearly half of the US workforce and holding as many undergraduate degrees as men overall, women are still vastly underrepresented in the STEM workforce and among STEM degree holders. Through its comprehensive programming of After-school, Summer Camp, and Community STEM events, Girlstart provides a year-round, intensive suite of STEM education programs for thousands of K-12 girls each year.
She began her career as a middle school science teacher in the Fort Worth Independent School District. In her 17 years with the district, Shane was able to make her mark in every position she held, from department chair to leading the entire district as the K-12 science director overseeing curriculum and assessment development while supporting teachers in honing their skills through year-long professional learning opportunities.
Most recently, Shane acted as the senior director of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas STEM Center of Excellence, which is a 92-acre living laboratory where kids of all ages can explore and develop their competence and confidence in science, technology, engineering, and math – all while cultivating essential skills such as confidence, resilience, leadership, risk-taking, and problem-solving. Shane has a BS in biology from Xavier University of New Orleans and an MS. Ed in middle-level science and mathematics from Walden University.
24. Isis Dallis
Executive Director, Climate Nexus
Isis Dallis is an accomplished brand strategist, communications professional, and executive leader with over 20 years of experience building teams, leading companies, and transforming organizational cultures. In her role as Executive Director of Climate Nexus, Isis brings her deep commitment to climate action, solutions, and justice, as well as a range of experience, working for a variety of large advertising agencies, well-known consumer brands, purpose-driven consultancies, and her non-profit. Throughout her career, her focus has been at the intersection of strategic communications, social impact, and organizational management, leveraging the power of narrative change and design thinking to drive cultural, behavioral, and systemic change.
Before joining Climate Nexus, Isis served as a managing partner for award-winning social impact consultancy and B Corporation Matter Unlimited, where Isis was responsible for growth, driving operational excellence, and building an empathetic and high-performing team culture. Under her leadership, the agency was recognized with multiple Anthem and Fast Company Innovation Awards, and in 2022, Matter was recognized as Inc. Magazine’s Best in Business.
Isis has an exceptional talent for connecting cultural signals to business trends and offering valuable insights. Her thought leadership has been featured in renowned publications such as Fast Company and Quartz, where she provides thought-provoking analysis and commentary on the intersections of culture, business, and social impact. In addition, she is also a fierce advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, and has been cited in various industry-leading publications, including The Business of Race. Isis holds dual degrees in sociology and African and African American studies, as well as a certificate in markets and management studies from Duke University.
25. Rebecca Buell
Chief Financial Officer, National Breast Cancer Foundation
Rebecca Buell is the Chief Financial Officer of the National Breast Cancer Foundation. She first joined the organization in 2011 as a staff accountant. Rebecca oversees the finance, accounting, IT, compliance, and HR functions as the CFO for NBCF. She has implemented a forecasting and budgeting process that allows for more visibility and accountability across the organization in tracking spend to focus on mission fulfillment and streamlining expense management. Rebecca works on cross-departmental projects to support all teams in prioritizing high-impact campaigns and initiatives to help provide more services to women in need and engage donors in the mission of NBCF. Additionally, she helps develop the organizational goals and strategic objectives to align with the financial plans. Rebecca developed other major programs that include the College Internship Program and the High School Internship/Ambassador Programs.
Previously, Buell was a controller at Gage Homes Inc. Earlier in her career she worked with Chase as a teller. Buell earned an MS in accounting and information management from Naveen Jindal School of Management, UT Dallas, and an undergraduate degree in International economics, finance, and Spanish from Austin College.
26. Trish Ferrett
VP of Talent Attraction and Acquisition, The Trevor Project
Trish Ferrett is a seasoned talent attraction and acquisition pro, with domestic and international recruitment leadership experience in the non-profit and for-profit spaces. From retail, technology, and family entertainment corporations to organizations focused on making the world a better place for all, one thing remains the same: service, sourcing, inclusion, and transparency for all of their job seekers.
Ferrett is the Vice President of Talent Attraction and Acquisition at The Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to eliminating LGBTQ youth suicide through crisis intervention, education, and advocacy. She holds an MBA from the University of Mary Washington with a focus on organizational development and training and is a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). Ferrett also holds a bachelor of music in the music industry and voice from James Madison University.
27. Danielle Hilliker
President & CEO, Southeastern Michigan Health Association
Danielle Hilliker is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Southeastern Michigan Health Association, a non-profit organization. SEMHA was first known as the Southeastern Michigan Tuberculosis Detection Project to mainly focus on the area of tuberculosis control. In the beginning of 1972, the organization began expanding its reach by broadening services, partnerships, and programs with public health systems, to deliver health promotion and to create risk reduction activities. Further, to provide value-based contract management services to state and local health agencies, private foundations, and health programs serving residents of Michigan.
Hilliker is a social justice warrior and community change advocate, passionate about issuing societal change in the non-profit sector. Hilliker serves as the Chief Executive Officer leading the organization to expand by way of her expertise in strategic organizational development, capacity building, and fund development. Hilliker has consulted and led a variety of non-profits in various sectors, from PYXERA Global to the Capitol of the United States, as well as the Michigan Women’s Foundation. During her tenure, she was awarded as a fellow with the Cross-Generational Women Leaders in Washington DC, to partner with young and senior women leaders on key issues at the local, state, and national level.
Hilliker has served as a board member for Teen Hype, Community Development Advocates of Detroit, and on the D&I Council for Troy School District. She has immersed herself in the fight for systemic change, and she focuses on issues of social justice, equity, social determinants of health, and community development work. Hilliker holds a master of science from Spring Arbor University, concentrating in management organizational development, and is currently pursuing her PhD in public policy and administration focusing on international nongovernmental organizations.
28. Maryum Lewis
President & Chief Executive Officer, Status: Home
Maryum Lewis currently serves as the President & CEO of Status: Home, Inc. – formerly known as Jerusalem House. In this role, Lewis directs all operations, oversees staff, and strategizes fundraising activities for the organization, which is Atlanta’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS permanent supportive housing provider. Status: Home is one of the 75 largest non-profits in Atlanta with a budget of $8.8M and a staff of close to 50. Each year, the organization houses close to 400 people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
Maryum came to Status: Home in 2021 with over two decades of diverse non-profit leadership experience including executive, fundraising, organizational management, board leadership, volunteer management, and consulting. She earned a BA degree in English from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree in non-profit leadership from Georgia State University and studied at Harvard Business School in 2023 in the Strategic Perspectives in Non-profit Management program. She is a past faculty member at the Georgia Center for Non-profits, a 2018 graduate of Leadership DeKalb, and 2019 Chair of National Philanthropy Day.
Maryum previously served on the board of the DeKalb Library Foundation, The Museum School of Avondale Estates, and the Community Advisory Board of the Georgia State University Prevention Research Council. In 2022 and 2023, she was selected as a Georgia Titan 100, one of Georgia’s Top CEOs & C-Level Executives. In addition, she is a proud member of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2023. She currently serves on the board of directors for the National HIV/AIDS Housing Coalition.
29. Joy Desmarais-Lanz
Executive Director, Mattison
Joy Desmarais-Lanz began her professional career 27 years ago. Today, she is the Executive Director of Mattison. Mattison helps organizations succeed at their mission through focused attention to ensuring every perspective of an organization’s experience is productive by providing leadership, quality events, meetings, programs, and information. They were founded in 1988 and have experienced modest but steady growth over each of the past twenty four years. In addition to serving as Executive Director for 6 client associations and traditional non-profits, Joy also oversees company-wide AMCI accreditation compliance and client service delivery.
Desmarais-Lanz first got her start in 1996 as a VP of the National Youth Leadership Council. From there, she went on to Minneapolis College of Art and Design, before eventually rising to director of national alumni programs at Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership. Desmarais-Lanz graduated from St. Catherine University with an MA in organizational leadership and an undergraduate degree in communications.
30. Kimberly McKinney
Chief Executive Officer, Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis
Kimberly McKinney is the Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis. In her role, Kimberly is responsible for the overall operation of the St. Louis affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Locally, Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis has built almost 400 houses. Kimberly’s primary duties include board recruitment and development, strategic planning, community relations, and advocacy.
Kimberly initially began as development director with Habitat for Humanity in 1997 after relocating to St. Louis from Tennessee, where she held management positions in both the public and private sector. In 2012, she was selected as one of the twenty-five “Most Influential Women” by St. Louis Business Journal. Kimberly serves on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of Rise (formerly, RHCDA), the Board and Executive Committee of The Community Builders Network of Metro St. Louis, the Board of Innovative Technology Education Fund, and the Board of Non-profit MO. She is a past member of the US Council for Habitat for Humanity International and a current member of the St. Louis Women’s Forum and CREW. McKinney graduated from East Tennessee State University.
31. Melanie Davis
Executive Director & CEO, Physical and Health Education Canada
Melanie Davis is the Executive Director and CEO of Physical and Health Education Canada. Established in 1933, Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE Canada) champions healthy, active kids by promoting and advancing quality health and physical education opportunities and healthy learning environments. Supporting community champions with quality programs, professional development services, and community activation initiatives, PHE Canada inspires all to live healthy, physically active lives.
At PHE Canada, Melanie has been a transformative leader, advocating for educational advancement and building partnerships for collective impact all whilst re-building PHE Canada as a strong and sustainable organization. During Melanie’s tenure, PHE Canada has rebounded from a financial deficit and a committed, vibrant, diverse and awesome staff team has been built. During this time as well, Melanie has been awarded a NEOC Employer of Choice award and the University of Ottawa’s Employer of the Year award.
Melanie’s leadership and collaborative style through the global pandemic was a critical point for the physical and health education sector across Canada. Through a process of creative, rapid design and authentic leadership, Melanie empowered the education sector's ability to safely pivot to teaching at a distance and enabled a whole continuum of quality academic, physical, mental, spiritual, emotional and social learning activities despite the complex and dynamic reality of the pandemic. During this time, Melanies’ work garnered both national and international recognition and has led to a legacy of transformative programs and resources to support educators, school system leaders and ultimately supporting young people to live well.
32. Nancy K. Racette
Chief Operating Officer, DRiWaterstone Human Capital
Nancy Racette is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of DRiWaterstone. Driven by the belief that every person can have a fundamental impact on the world, Nancy spent decades designing innovative fundraising and communications programs to fuel the growth of sustainable non-profit organizations. In 2001, she began providing executive search and development consulting to help non-profits across the country build their own capacity to grow, thrive, and excel. Nancy’s consulting work has helped numerous non-profit organizations design and fill powerful staff structures. Working with national organizations such as The American Association of Immunologists, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, and The Foundation Fighting Blindness, Nancy has advised Boards of Directors and CEOs on how to identify their most transformative initiatives and how to invest in staffing structures that advance them.
Nancy’s advice has turned strategic plans into strategic hires for start-ups and established organizations engaging a new generation of stakeholders in imaginative ways. In addition to designing staff structures, Nancy has also led executive searches for more than 250 leaders who have reshaped critical non-profit operations. Nancy's strategic consulting and executive search draw on her decades of experience developing initiatives that reshaped fundraising for the American Red Cross and Girls Scouts. Her broad expertise spans cause marketing, disaster fundraising, major giving, and fundraising campaigns. and she continues to mentor and coach non-profit leaders today.
Nancy has been an innovative volunteer in the non-profit sector. She served for 6 years on the Board of Directors at YWCA USA and remains on the Development Committee. She has been a past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) - Washington D.C. Metro Area Chapter. She has also served on the Board of Directors of the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy and has chaired AFP’s Education Advisory Committee. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Ellington Fund for the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Nancy is a graduate of Boston University’s School of Public Communications. She attended the Executive Management Program at Harvard University and held a Certified Fund Raising Executive credential from CFRE International for 24 years.
33. Shannon Razsadin
President and Executive Director, Military Family Advisory Network
Shannon Razsadin is a non-profit executive, commentator, communications strategist, and spouse of a recently retired service member. As President of the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN), she is a champion and national spokesperson for service members, veterans, and their families. Razsadin is a subject matter expert on the military-civilian divide, family well-being and preparedness, financial readiness, food insecurity, housing, and more. Mrs. Razsadin is a regular contributor to AP, CBS Evening News, CNN, Fox, NBC, NPR, and other global-reaching media entities. She has delivered thought-leadership remarks to higher education, Fortune 500, research and policy, and military audiences.
Razsadin currently serves as a member of the Department of Defense’s Military Family Readiness Council, a congressionally-mandated advisory committee that reports to the Secretary of Defense in order to review, evaluate, and monitor DoD’s military family readiness policies, programs, plans, and initiatives. She also holds several leadership positions with military- and veteran-service organization coalitions.
In September 2022, Razsadin spoke on a panel at the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health — ensuring military and veteran families were included in the Biden-Harris Administration’s national strategy to end hunger by 2030. Prior to MFAN, Razsadin served as director for Reingold, an award-winning strategic communications and marketing firm, as well as program coordinator for The George Washington University. Razsadin received her BA from Merrimack College and her MA from George Washington University. She resides in Newport, RI, with her husband and two children.
34. Mariah Collins
Partner, The Bridgespan Group
Mariah Collins is a Partner in The Bridgespan Group’s Boston office. Since joining in 2012, she has worked on a range of cases, primarily focused on impact investing, measurement and evaluation, big bets, and public health. Collins co-leads Bridgespan’s measurement and evaluation area of expertise. Her impact investing clients include Texas Pacific Group’s (TPG) Rise Fund—where Bridgespan partnered to develop and deliver rigorous, quantitative impact underwriting, as detailed in Harvard Business Review’s “Calculating the Value of Impact Investing.” Collins has also explored opportunities for family offices and high-net-worth individuals to get involved in "impact-first" forms of impact investing in the article “Back to the Frontier: Investing that Puts Impact First.”
With her philanthropy clients, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Foundation, Collins helped to strengthen operations, set grantmaking priorities, determine impact targets, and identify potential grantees. Collins has a longstanding interest in the social determinants of health and co-authored “The Community Cure for Health Care” for Stanford Social Innovation Review and “Why Big Health Systems are Investing in Community Health” for Harvard Business Review online.
Collins holds an MS degree from the T.H. Chan Harvard School of Public Health. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude from Brandeis University where she studied health policy/public health and environmental studies.
35. Sophia M. Piliouras
Chief Operating Officer & Corporate Secretary, Minority Corporate Counsel Association
Sophia M. Piliouras is the Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA), the preeminent advisor on diversity, equity, and inclusion to C-suites across corporate America. Piliouras’ longstanding commitment to racial and gender equity goes hand in hand with her belief that leaders become changemakers when they strive to always do better. By consistently advocating for sustainable DEI strategies and modeling effective allyship, she empowers today’s leaders to take action beyond the status quo. As both a seasoned attorney and an expert in managing successful organizational partnerships, Piliouras brings a wealth of insight to MCCA’s leadership team, where she directs programming and events, strategic partnerships, membership, and more. Since joining MCCA in 2016, she has served as senior counsel, director of education and research, and president of MCCA’s Advisory Practice.
Before joining MCCA, she served as VP and assistant general counsel at JP Morgan Chase, where she led teams in Auto Finance and Student Lending, Business Banking, and Asset Wealth Management, and as a litigator at Seyfarth Shaw LLP. In addition, she provided pro bono legal counsel to refugee and immigrant children through Kids in Need of Defense (KIND). Piliouras is a frequent presenter and guest lecturer on topics in diversity, law, and strategic planning. She is a Trustee of the Foundation for Advancement of Diversity in Intellectual Property Law. Piliouras holds a BA in international relations from the University of Wisconsin and an MS from Columbia University. She received her JD from New York Law School, where she served as the United Nations Editor for the New York Law School Journal of Human Rights.
36. Marilee Holmes
Chief Diversity Officer, Save the Children US
As Chief Diversity Officer for Save the Children US, Marilee Holmes leads strategy and initiatives for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and the global mobility strategy. In this role, Holmes supports Save the Children’s vision to have DEI deeply embedded in organizational culture, including coordinating with Employee Affinity Groups and the DEI Council, advising career advancement and mentorship efforts, and harnessing the power of the international talent market to ensure individuals can thrive across the global Save the Children organization.
Holmes joined Save the Children in June 2021 as lead advisor for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging and was promoted to this newly created role in October 2022. The role represents the first time Save the Children US has dedicated a C-level position to DEI efforts and the vital part DEI plays in building a strong, successful organization. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Holmes spent more than a decade practicing immigration law before she transitioned to the corporate world, committed to having a direct impact on the diverse range of talent embarking on opportunities in the US and around the world. Formerly, as chief of staff at Roc Nation, she worked closely with the CEO to ensure that DEI and social justice—among the core values of the company’s diverse founders—remained a top priority across hiring, advancement, vendor relationships, and all other aspects of the entertainment company’s business.
Holmes holds an undergraduate degree in political science and French from the University of Michigan, and a JD from Vanderbilt University Law School. She lives in New York City with her daughter.
37. Heather O'Steen
President & CEO, Professional Management Associates
Heather O’Steen, CAE is the President and Owner of Professional Management Associates (PMA). Heather’s expertise encompasses all facets of non-profit association management, and she has served in executive management roles to many non-profit associations. In her role as President and Owner of PMA, she provides executive oversight for 11 non-profit organizations which include state, national, and international organizations supported by a team of 20 staff members. PMA is an accredited Association Management Company (AMC) by the AMC Institute, which establishes rigorous, measurable performance practices that demonstrate that defined processes, controls, and systems are in place.
Heather serves as the CEO of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and has been committed to growing their membership, leadership, vision, and programs for over 15 years. In this role, she provides strategic direction and governance support to volunteer leaders and ensures their strategic goals and objectives are achieved. She is responsible for the development of new programs, creating and nurturing partnerships, strengthening foundation practices, increasing brand recognition and reach, and implementing innovative initiatives. She also serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Feline Practitioner publication.
Heather earned the credential of Certified Association Executive (CAE), designated by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE); ASAE’s Certificate in Association Management; and FSAE’s Qualified Association Specialist (QAS). She has served in volunteer roles within the ASAE and AMC Institute and is currently serving on the Board of the Pet Nutrition Alliance and the Professional Development Committee of the Veterinary Medical Association Executives (VMAE). She is the recipient of the 2022 Executive of the Year Award from the VMAE which recognizes outstanding contributions to the association executive profession and the very best in association management. Heather is also the proud mother of two young children and is an active volunteer leader in her community, including serving as a Girl Scout Leader.
38. Sherece West-Scantebury
President & CEO, Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
Sherece West is the President & CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, a private foundation that seeks to disrupt the systems that block Arkansans who are striving to get out of poverty. They are in relentless pursuit of educational, economic, social, ethnic, and racial equity. West is a leading 21st-century voice on the eradication of global poverty. From her early beginnings impacting policy as a lobbyist in NYC, to leading programs at some of the most prestigious foundations in the Southeastern United States, West has been unwavering in her quest to increase prosperity amongst marginalized groups and end poverty in her lifetime. West currently serves as the President and CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation in Little Rock, Arkansas where she has led the organization through reinvention and tremendous growth over the last decade.
Known for her leadership in the areas of community development, public policy, and disaster recovery, West is a transformational leader who is unafraid to ask the tough questions that challenge conventional thinking, action, and funding around impoverished communities. West graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County with a PhD in public policy, from the University of Michigan Institute of Public Policy Studies with a master’s in public policy, and from Bowie State University with an undergraduate in public administration.
39. Nadine Dalrymple
Regional Vice President, The Posse Foundation
Nadine is the Regional Vice President of the Posse Foundation, with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. Founded in 1989, Posse identifies public high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential who may be overlooked by traditional college selection processes. Posse extends to these students the opportunity to pursue personal and academic excellence by placing them in supportive, multicultural teams—Posses—of 10 students. Posse partner colleges and universities award Posse Scholars four-year, full-tuition leadership scholarships.
Nadine is a cutting-edge leader who embraces innovative strategies to scale meaningful programs. She has a wealth of experience in management, program development, operational efficiency, and fund development. Nadine is able to organize and implement high-level departmental strategies that create positive outcomes and sound forward movement for any organization that she works with. Nadine is also able to quickly identify prevalent organizational challenges and develop solutions to address them properly. She is a high-integrity, energetic individual known for her ability to envision and create successful outcomes in complex situations.
40. Shannon Mouton
Executive Director, Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services
Shannon Mouton is the Executive Director of Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services. Founded in 1987, Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services, Inc. (LARS) was established to provide emergency food and financial assistance to Laurel residents in crisis. Local congregation leaders and community members created LARS to serve as a central point of contact and source of support for the growing numbers of people who were coming to their doors for help.
For more than 25 years, Shannon Mouton has given her time and talents to various organizations throughout the Washington Metropolitan Area. Her work in the corporate, higher education, and non-profit sectors afforded her opportunities to build and strengthen communities, launch innovative programs, and bridge generational, economic, and racial divides. She has served on numerous non-profit boards, including Calvary Women’s Services, the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA, the IN Series, and The George Washington Alumni Association.
Most recently Shannon was chosen to serve on the Comptroller of Maryland's Financial Literacy Advisory Council. In 2022, she was hired as the first African-American CEO of Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services in the organization's 36-year history. Under her leadership, the organization's impact has more than doubled with a larger team, increased visibility, and greater community engagement. Shannon is a graduate of Mount Vernon College, now part of The George Washington University.
41. Geeta Kulkarni
Vice President of Development, The Akshaya Patra Foundation USA
Geeta Kulkarni is the Vice President of Development at The Akshaya Patra Foundation USA, the world’s largest NGO school meal program, providing hot, nutritious school lunches to over 2 million children across India daily. Akshaya Patra USA engages thousands of volunteers and donors in the United States to raise funds and awareness to support the foundation’s mission. Kulkarni has been associated with the Akshaya Patra Foundation since its inception due to her passion for doing something transformational for society. She started working as a volunteer in December 2001 and was one of the founder members of their fundraising team in India. She has deep expertise in fundraising and has extensive experience in creating different products and avenues for fundraising. She was instrumental in creating various unique programs for engagement and volunteering for the corporate sector. She also has played transformational roles in Human resources by defining engagement drivers and strategies.
Prior to joining Akshaya Patra Foundation, Kulkarni worked as the department head for Radiant Heaters at Videocon Industries Limited. Kulkarni has completed her master’s degree in software engineering from Brandeis University and works in the Bay Area.
42. Iara Peng
Founder & CEO, JustFund
Iara is the Founder and CEO of JustFund. She has worked in non-profits for over 20 years, building new programs and organizations within the sector and supporting emerging leaders. She launched JustFund.us, an innovative online portal that connects grantmakers directly to organizations to help move resources more quickly while facilitating greater trust, transparency, and accountability across funder communities.
Early in her career, she worked to build the progressive leadership pipeline and started Young People For (YP4), a national progressive leadership development program that has identified and trained thousands of leaders across the country. She is also the founder of Prism, an independent and non-profit newsroom led by journalists of color, that tells stories from the ground up: to disrupt harmful narratives and to inform movements for justice. She also founded the Democratizing Philanthropy Project, which shifts power to chronically underfunded, historically excluded frontline organizations by helping them build long-term, reliable small donor revenue and a dynamic, engaged base.
She holds a master's degree from Columbia University, where she studied public administration and non-profit management. She has served as a strategic consultant and is on the boards of dozens of non-profits. She is currently a board member of Democratizing Philanthropy, Donors of Color Network, and East Bay Community Foundation.
43. Amanda Meeson
Executive Director, Sterling House Community Center
Amanda Meeson is a non-profit leader dedicated to mission-driven work that catalyzes positive contributions for individuals, families, and to the broader community. She joined Sterling House Community Center in 2016 and the organization’s operating budget and impact has more than doubled during her tenure. Organizational growth under her leadership has included significant program growth and innovation, multiple renovations, facility acquisition and expansion, and critical infrastructure advancements.
Amanda has been working in youth and community development for more than 25 years and before Sterling House, she served as VP of Programming at The Leadership Program in NYC and presented on youth and family engagement, program quality, leadership, and staff development across the country. Amanda received the Fairfield County’s 40 under 40 Award and the Rising Star Award for the Bridgeport Regional Business Council. She was the past Board Chair of the Women’s Leadership Network and is a graduate of Leadership Greater Bridgeport. She is passionate about the power of community and is grateful for the opportunity to lead an organization that has fostered community connection, vitality, and service for more than 90 years.
44. Margaret Sanchez
VP of Development, YWCA of Greater Cleveland
In the bustling city of Cleveland, Ohio, Margaret D. Sanchez, Vice President of Development at the YWCA of Greater Cleveland, is making waves in the non-profit sector and beyond. A trailblazer and philanthropist, she has dedicated her career to empowering marginalized communities and enhancing the lives of individuals nationwide. From her impressive accolades to her commitment to social justice, Margaret's story deserves recognition as one of the Top 50 Women in Non-Profit. She was also recognized as One of 100 Latinos to know in Cleveland in 2023.
A life of excellence and achievement. Margaret's story is one of determination and perseverance, with a solid academic background from the University of Wisconsin, in sustainable management studies, and an entrepreneurial spirit. She founded MagnifyFund LLC. and has paved her own path in the non-profit world assessing over 150 non-profits. Holding prestigious positions at renowned organizations, including Hispanic Unity of Florida and the National Association of Latino Elected Officials, Margaret's expertise and leadership have been instrumental in advancing the causes she is passionate about. A champion in women's rights. At the heart of Margaret's work lies her unrelenting commitment to supporting the most vulnerable society and empowering women. She spearheads all fundraising initiatives in her role at the YWCA of Greater Cleveland.
During National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Broward County Proclamation recognized her selfless volunteerism. She received the Silver Medallion from the National Conference for Community and Justice, received the March of Dimes Women of Distinction Award, the Hispanic Women of Distinction Award, and the Local Hero Award by Bank of America. Margaret serves on the Mision Presidencial Latinoamericana board and the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Business Center's Board of Trustees. In her spare time is passionate about assisting the most vulnerable and enjoys cooking and exploring her new home state, Ohio. Margaret takes pride in her two children Natalia and Juan Carlos Sanchez IV.
45. Lindsay Clark
Chief Financial Officer, State Fair of Texas®
Lindsay Clark is the Chief Financial Officer of State Fair of Texas®. Since joining the Fair in 2018, Clark has transformed its financial systems and operations, driving better decision-making through transparency in financial reporting, policy development, and budget management.
Previously, Clark held financial positions in several high-profile non-profits as well as advising them as a consultant with Lane Gorman Trubitt, building her professional reputation on driving change initiatives that increase the effectiveness and value of financial policies and processes. Among her leadership roles, she has served as director of accounting and treasury at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, controller at The Sixth Floor Museum, assistant controller at the Dallas Museum of Art, and finance manager for the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. She began her professional career with Weaver and Tidwell, a regional public accounting firm, in its non-profit niche. Clark was educated at the University of Dallas, receiving an MBA & MS in accounting and a BA in Spanish literature. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the State of Texas. Clark is a proud East Dallas resident and enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter.
46. Felicia Thompson
Senior Director of Marketing & Communications, Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council
Felicia N. Thompson is a trusted marketing and communications advisor with a 20+ year career leading strategies for iconic brands. Today, Felicia is Senior. Director of Marketing and Communications for Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC), which serves over 12,000 girls supported by 7,500 volunteers across central and northern Arizona and all of the Navajo Nation. She provides leadership, strategic direction, and vision to elevate the message and visibility of the organization while upholding its commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Racial Justice (DEIRJ), and Well-Being.
Before joining Girl Scouts, Felicia worked for the city of Phoenix as a senior public information officer during the onset of the global pandemic. During her time there, she cultivated the vision of two Chief Information Officers responsible for the fifth largest city in America, and a technology department supporting 34 city departments and 1.7 million residents. Prior to her transition to local government, Felicia was the vice president & chief brand officer for the Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest (BBB). Within 15 years, she grew from a department of one to leading 24 marketing and communication professionals across six cities in Arizona and Southern California.
Felicia is a board member for Achieving My Purpose, an organization that empowers women of color ages 18-30. She served on the Awakening Seed School Board for six years and was board chair during the last year and a half of her term. She is a founding member of Vistage International's Key Executive Group 730, where she spent eight years sharpening her leadership skills. Past board member experience also includes the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC Phoenix), the University of Arizona Black Alumni Club (Phoenix), and the University of Arizona Alumni Council. Felicia earned a BA in journalism from The University of Arizona, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and a certificate in Integrated Marketing Communications from Rutgers Business School. She was named a Most Admired Leader by the Phoenix Business Journal in 2016 and a Celebration of Women honoree in 2019.
47. Peg Willingham
Senior Managing Director, Food & Agriculture, Save the Children US
Peg Willingham is the Senior Managing Director for food and agriculture partnerships at Save the Children. She previously served as executive director of Fairtrade America, and head of advocacy and policy at the International Food Policy Research Institute’s HarvestPlus program. Prior to joining HarvestPlus, she was the executive director of Shot@Life at the United Nations Foundation, leading a campaign to raise awareness and resources to immunize children in developing countries against vaccine-preventable diseases. Willingham also served as the senior director of external affairs at the Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation, senior director of public sector development at the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, and assistant vice president for Latin America and Canada at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).
Willingham began her career with the US Department of State, where she served as a foreign service officer in Latin America, the Middle East, and Washington, DC for thirteen years. Willingham is a five-time recipient of the State Department’s Superior Honor Award.
Willingham holds a master’s degree in English from the University of Michigan, an undergraduate degree in English and History from the University of Virginia, and is a graduate of the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute’s Political Leadership Program. She serves on the boards of directors of Pyxera Global and the US Foundation for the University of the Valley of Guatemala.
48. Arlene Johnson
Executive Director of Market Impact for Dallas - Fort Worth, Texas, March of Dimes
Arlene Johnson is the Executive Director of Market Impact for Dallas - Fort Worth, Texas at March of Dimes. She first joined the company in 2021. March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. They support research, lead programs, and provide education and advocacy so that every family can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 85-year legacy, they support every pregnant person and every family.
Previously, Johnson was a VP of advancement at She Is Safe and before that an executive director at Vision Africa Ministries, Inc. Earlier in her career she worked with Awana International as a regional missions director for the Pacific Rim, Fundraising and Operations. Johnson earned an MBA in marketing from the University of Illinois Chicago, and an undergraduate degree in business management from Northeastern Illinois University.
49. Marjorie Sims
Managing Director, Ascend, The Aspen Institute
Marjorie Sims is the Managing Director of Ascend at The Aspen Institute, a global non-profit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most important challenges facing the United States and the world.
Sims has more than 20 years of experience in advancing the status of women and families at the local, state, national, and international levels. She formerly served as a program officer at the WK Kellogg Foundation with a specific focus on family economic security programs and managed a $65M grant portfolio. Prior to joining the Kellogg Foundation, Sims held the positions of chief operating officer, interim president, and vice president of programs and operations at the Washington Area Women’s Foundation.
During her tenure in Washington, Sims helped launch Stepping Stones, a $5M, multi-year, regional initiative to increase the income and assets of women-headed families. Stepping Stones received national recognition as a model public-private partnership. In addition, Sims served as the executive director of the California Women’s Law Center and as a policy analyst with the International Center for Research on Women. She is a co-founder of Women’s Policy, Inc., an organization that emerged from the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues to provide unbiased analyses and educational briefings about federal legislation affecting women and families. Sims has additional expertise in expanding women’s philanthropy and managing leadership transitions. Sims graduated from California State University-Dominguez Hills with an MS in political science.
50. Chazeman Jackson
Senior Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, American Society of Human Genetics
Chazeman Jackson is the Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the American Society of Human Genetics. Founded in 1948, the American Society of Human Genetics is the primary professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide. Its nearly 8,000 members include researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses, and others with an interest in human genetics.
Over the past ten years, Jackson has held several key positions within the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). She joined ASHG after serving as a senior science policy analyst and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) portfolio lead in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. Previously, she was an Emerging Leaders Fellow and a health scientist administrator at the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities within the NIH.
Jackson earned a BA degree in humanities with an emphasis in philosophy from Tougaloo College, an MA in biology from American University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in medical microbiology from Howard University. She has received several honors and recognitions, including an inaugural recipient of the Gates Millennium Scholarship; a Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Fellow with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine’s Roundtable on the Promotion of Health Equity and the Elimination of Health Disparities; an HHS Secretary Distinguished Service Awardee; and author of several papers on health equity, workforce diversity, and science policy.