Lead a boutique consulting firm that supports forward-thinking organizations in their efforts to plan, design, implement, and grow. Provide thought partnership and technical support to venture philanthropy, private foundations, higher education, and the non-profit community as they journey through moments of inflection, opportunity, and change.

Inaugural executive director of innovative grantmaking nonprofit focused on families, children, and communities in crisis. Together Rising transforms collective heartbreak into effective action by investing directly in families and individuals and in partner organizations that most effectively meet the needs of their own communities.

Led citywide collective impact organization that leverages the power of people, systems, and data to accelerate innovation and opportunity for Chicago youth. This included setting a new strategic direction for the organization; building structures, systems, and processes to strengthen organizational effectiveness; and stewarding robust collaborations with public, private, and philanthropic partners to scale impact and positive outcomes for Chicago youth.

Launched and supervised a team responsible for crafting Leading Educators’ “story” to drive growth and new opportunities for the organization. Defined a compelling narrative and developed internal and external communications tools and trainings for staff to integrate “storytelling” throughout the organization’s programmatic, business development, and thought leadership activities. Co-led efforts to leverage the organization's “story” to position Leading Educators as a thought leader in the education reform field, including media opportunities, conferences and convenings, and developing white papers and other intellectual property. Provided leadership to develop and support a large-scale organizational, programmatic, and operational restructuring, including strategic planning, identifying and hiring new talent, managing the internal change management process, fundraising, and leading communications and rebranding activities for external audiences.

Provided senior leadership to the foundation as part of a three-person executive team to design strategic framework for the foundation’s funding priorities, hire and manage talent, and develop collaboration and learning opportunities to enhance the board’s engagement and support. Managed and supported program officers across the foundation’s funding areas, including defining the goals, strategy, and priorities of each portfolio; providing continuous thought partnership across program areas; and supervising staff to ensure that grantmaking reflected the values and goals of the foundation.

Led the advancement of the organization's local and federal early childhood education agenda through policy-making, advocacy, and high-level stakeholder engagement to support quality programs for children living in poverty. Developed and implemented strategic communications plan to complement legislative advocacy efforts and raise awareness about the importance and impact of early childhood education. Generated opportunities for national work with stakeholders from the non-profit, government, corporate, and philanthropic communities to solidify the organization's position as a leader in the early childhood field.

Directed and implemented the foundations' domestic and international education philanthropic efforts, including identifying new signature investments, fortifying existing funding relationships, and developing public and private sector partnerships to enhance the impact of education and community development initiatives. In partnership with the CEO and Board of Directors, developed the strategy and led the tactical execution for the design and launch of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy – a residential school designed to develop South Africa’s next generation of women leaders – including project planning and implementation, media and community relations, and partnership/negotiation with national and provincial-level government leaders.

Provided strategic guidance and technical support to diverse projects designed to increase gender equity in schools, strengthen education systems, and improve learning outcomes for vulnerable and marginalized populations throughout Africa and the Caribbean.

Directed gender equity projects in Morocco, Benin, and Haiti aimed at designing, implementing, and institutionalizing strategies to improve the trajectory of girls and women in academic, social, and economic life. Collaborated with government, NGOs, and funders to assess the education policy landscape and identify macro-level, structural barriers to gender equity in schools. Designed and delivered country-specific trainings, materials, and other interventions based on cross-sectoral collaboration and best practices from education, health, and other related fields. Provided technical support to teacher training institutions, as well as national and regional education decision-makers on strategies to build and support gender equity in schools. Provided capacity-building support to local NGOs focused on girls’ education and gender equity.

Supported grantmaking across a portfolio of U.S. and international education organizations, includingproposal review, preparing grant recommendations, and conducting site visits to evaluate grantee progress.