June Member Spotlight

"I am currently a trustee on FPN’s board. After gaining exposure to the organization as a volunteer on the FPN Summit Committee, I explored other ways to help drive the overall mission of strengthening philanthropy in the Sunshine State."

"The members – Diverse, passionate, intellectually curious, outcomes driven, and fun : )"

"Being part of a team working toward a more effective democracy by informing and engaging communities. One of the highlights of my career has been serving as the relationship manager on a $1.53M grant to FAMU, the nation’s #1 public HBCU, to add multimedia functionality to the university’s new amphitheater. This new public space, which includes the amphitheater, is called the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Plaza. That investment builds on a 51-year relationship between Knight and the university and ensures that there is a safe and vibrant gathering place for future generations of FAMU students/alumni, Tallahassee residents and visitors."

"The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) serves as a growth engine for certified minority businesses and creates opportunities to connect Minority Business Enterprises to economic opportunities. Within the next year, in partnership with NMSDC, I want to establish the first Foundation Advisory Committee at NMSDC. This will give private and public foundations the support to supplier diversity initiatives by providing expertise and advice on foundation procurement opportunities, engagement, and initiatives impacting minority business development and the practice of supplier diversity overall."

"Transitioning from corporate America to the world of philanthropy was one of the biggest professional challenges I’ve faced to date. After a 15-year plus career in strategic sourcing, supply chain, and operations, there was a steep learning curve not only in entering the philanthropic sector but also in growing my competency in grants management.

My colleagues at Knight were very instrumental in helping me learn the ropes and accelerating my on-boarding to the sector.

One year into my role at Knight, everything shut down as the global pandemic took the world by storm. It was organizations like FPN, Peak, and the Director’s Circle that provided an outlet to plug into community during a time where most of us felt isolated."

"Building and creating solutions that make a difference in community. I strive to leave any space that I occupy, whether personally or professionally, better than I found it."