Contributor

Mary Sobecki is the Executive Director of the Needmor Fund, a 65-year-old family foundation based in Ohio. Mary first became aware of the work of Needmor while serving as Senior Program Officer for the Toledo Community Foundation. Lured by the call of social justice and supporting systemic change, she joined the staff in 2004, becoming Executive Director in 2017… Read More

Nithin Jilla is a passionate educator, social entrepreneur and philanthropist who champions building models and systems of social change that are sustainable and empower the next generation. Nithin began with his first efforts in philanthropy with his high school class – establishing a project to help raise funds to renovate educational facilities and provide students with scholarships in Kenya, to… Read More

Daniel develops trusted partnerships with institutional, family, individual, and corporate funders as a strategic advisor to advance their philanthropic goals. Daniel has advised dozens of impact-driven philanthropists on articulating their visions, developing their giving strategies, and deploying their passion and resources to transform the fields of health, education, global nutrition, affordable housing, and many others. At TCC Group, Daniel leads… Read More

Deepti brings a relatable style to engaging stakeholders at all levels. Highly responsive to changing environments with unwavering focus on key goals, she is an effective communicator, willing to raise up difficult issues and address them head on. With a background in advocacy and working with grassroots organizations, Deepti is inspired by opportunities to proactively partner with communities to impact… Read More

Nicole Systrom, founder of Sutro Energy Group, partners with philanthropists, investors and entrepreneurs to accelerate high-impact climate and clean technology solutions. With an extensive background in environmental science and a passion for helping entrepreneurs scale breakthrough technologies, Nicole counsels philanthropists and impact investors on how to direct mission-oriented resources toward innovative clean technologies. A valued advisor to founders and funders… Read More

Lauren Webster is the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer for the Kenneth Rainin Foundation. In her role on the executive and leadership teams, she focuses on promoting strategic growth and achieving greater impact while maintaining solid financial and operational systems. Lauren has more than three decades of experience and extensive knowledge of the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors. Her career has… Read More

Jen Rainin launched the Kenneth Rainin Foundation in 2008 and has served as CEO since that time. She is known for her collaborative spirit and seeking ideas outside of philanthropy’s traditional circles. Her active engagement with grantees, funders and others connects people to inspire new partnerships and shared success. Under her leadership, the Foundation’s targeted grantmaking has produced several major… Read More

Shelley Trott is Chief Program Officer for the Kenneth Rainin Foundation, serving on the Foundation’s executive and leadership teams. In this role, she advances organizational strategy, supports a diverse grantmaking portfolio, and fosters collaboration, evaluation and learning, and impact. Before holding this position, Shelley was Director, Arts Strategy & Ventures, leading the Foundation’s strategic direction for the arts. Shelley joined… Read More

Laverne Matías is Director, Employee Experience and Culture for the Kenneth Rainin Foundation. He develops initiatives that support an inclusive and healthy workplace, implements equitable career pathing strategies, and creates staff development and growth opportunities. He brings more than 20 years of experience including leadership roles in diversity, equity and inclusion, human resources, and organizational development. Most recently, as the… Read More

Avani Narang currently serves as the Director for the Indus Cares Foundation which primarily supports the 10,000 apartment homes managed by Indus Management Group in Houston, Texas. She also is the Managing Director for Marketing & Digital Communications for Indus and oversees the marketing strategy for their apartment communities alongside their philanthropic activities. Avani completed her MBA from the University… Read More