Kristen J. Molyneaux, PhD is a passionate senior leader who is President and founding member of Lever for Change. An organization amplifying social impact by reinventing big philanthropy for donors, extraordinary causes, and creative thinkers looking to solve the world's biggest problems with big, bold ideas and sustainable solutions. Known for innovative ideas to create impact and execute complex initiatives, she helped launch the start-up of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation affiliate Lever for Change in 2019. She co-designed and executed MacArthur’s strategy for the first two $100M challenges in 2017 and 2019 and continues to drive social impact, strategy, operations and the awards processes at Lever for Change for all subsequent competitions (14 as of early 2024) that have helped donors give away $2.2 billion dollars in under 5 years.A progressive leader who prioritizes equity, partnerships, collaboration and inclusion, Kristen leads a diverse team that also works hand-in-hand with donors to diversify and amplify their giving and supports Lever for Change’s ever-growing network of more than 100 competition awardees and finalists (the Bold Solutions Network). She and her team are shaking up philanthropy with a variety of innovative approaches to advance equity, support bold thinkers and ensure that all voices and stakeholders are heard and represented at the table.An education expert and former elementary school teacher with a strong international network and deep passion for global and gender issues, Kristen has run girls STEM education camps and programming and has a strong interest in getting girls involved in science and math and advancing education around the world. Kristen earned her Masters and PhD in education policy with a focus on international education. She wrote her dissertation on secondary education and female educators in Uganda and spent two years in the Peace Corps - training teachers in Uganda and the Cape Verde Islands. A frequent traveler who’s spent a lot of time in Africa - working, traveling, going on safari and gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, she currently lives in Chicago with her two miniature dachshunds. In her spare time she is likely traveling, playing the ukulele and collecting art.