ECHOING GREEN - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Senior Director, Capital
- Senior Director, Capital Programs
Alex is passionate about creating a capital ecosystem that efficiently and equitably supports social enterprises in their journey to create scalable impact and solve our most pressing social and environmental challenges. He works toward building this system through his role as Senior Director of Capital at Echoing Green.
Alex has over a decade of experience in the social enterprise ecosystem and a track record of bringing bold visions into reality. During his time with Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship, he designed, raised, and deployed several multi-million dollar impact investing funds that seek to fill critical gaps in the impact capital continuum, he created new programs that guided social enterprises in how to raise impact capital, and he activated and engaged a network of over 1300 social enterprises. He also led the strategic shift to prioritize and serve the unique needs of proximate leaders. While at the Aspen Network Of Development Entrepreneurs, he led participatory research in the ecosystem that supports invention-based social enterprises and led multi-stakeholder partnerships to address the talent gap faced by social impact organizations. Alex also has experience at the federal policy level and supported the development of impact investing policy at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
In addition to his ecosystem-level work, Alex has deep first-hand experience in emerging markets around the world. He worked with asbestos mining communities in rural Rajasthan to document working conditions and advocate for improved occupational health measures. He worked to increase access to environmental education in Beijing, China, and supported grassroots development NGOs in implementing asset-based community development projects in Masaka, Uganda.
Alex holds an M.A. in International Science and Technology Policy from George Washington University and earned his B.A. from Colby College, where he studied International Development and East Asian Studies. Alex lives in Oakland, California. He loves the outdoors and can be found camping, biking, surfing, and most other outdoor activities that involve fresh air and sunshine. He is on a never-ending quest to find the world's best fish tacos and loves spending time with his wife, son, and labradoodle.
Job Titles:
- Director, Strategic Insights and Development Operations Development
- Strategist
Brooks is a nonprofit strategist with expertise in data analysis, fundraising, and organizational planning.
Prior to joining Echoing Green, he worked as a fundraising consultant at CCS Fundraising, where he partnered with organizations in the human services, healthcare, and higher education sectors to lead strategic planning efforts, development assessments, and capital campaigns.
At the heart of Brooks' work is a passion for advancing equity and unlocking opportunity for underserved communities. He believes strongly in the value of using data-driven strategies to maximize fundraising potential and program effectiveness.
Brooks holds a B.A. in Mathematics and Economics from Hamilton College and lives with his fiancée in Brooklyn. Outside of work, he enjoys running, complaining about running, and following the Red Sox.
Job Titles:
- Board Co - Chair / Chairman and Partner, Union Square Advisors
Job Titles:
- Manager, Community
- Manager, Community Programs
Catalina has always focused on the essentialness of collaboration. She believes that this power is instrumental to tackling the global problems that plague our world.
From her time cooking in Bay Area restaurants to her many years working as a history teacher in Oakland Public Schools, Catalina has always focused on the essentialness of collaboration. She believes that this power is instrumental to tackling the global problems that plague our world.
Prior to working at Echoing Green, Catalina was a teacher and school leader, working to plan, test, and implement new curricula, and helping to devise school wide initiatives focused on integrating student input to solve school culture shortcomings. In her 6+ years as a teacher Catalina oversaw the adoption of an Ethnic Studies curriculum for Freshman students, and helped to propel an increase in graduation readiness amongst Black and Brown women-identifying students. More than anything, though, Catalina was lucky enough to learn alongside brilliant young people thinking critically about our world, and ourduty to it.
In her first career as a chef, Catalina got to experience the joy of working with her hands, thoughtfully curating gathering spaces punctuated by creative bites and good wine. Cooking continues to be one of her biggest passions, and you will often find her salt-baking a giant ham, making liqueurs with the green walnuts from her backyard, or baking pizzas with housemade sourdough crust.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Fellow
- CEO 1992 Echoing Green Fellow
- CEO and Co - Leader
- Ex Officio Member / President
Cheryl L. Dorsey is CEO and co-leader of Echoing Green, a global nonprofit that supports emerging social entrepreneurs and invests deeply in their ideas and leadership.
She became the first Echoing Green Fellow to head the social venture fund in 2002. Prior to leading this social impact organization, Cheryl was a social entrepreneur herself and received an Echoing Green Fellowship in 1992 to help launch The Family Van, a community-based mobile health unit in Boston.
An accomplished leader and entrepreneur, she has served in two presidential administrations as a White House Fellow and Special Assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Labor (1997-98); Special Assistant to the Director of the Women's Bureau of the U.S. Labor Department (1998-99); and Vice Chair for the President's Commission on White House Fellowships (2009-2017). Cheryl serves on several boards including The Bridgespan Group, Skoll Foundation, Northeast Bank and, previously, the Harvard Board of Overseers. She has a medical degree from Harvard Medical School, a master's in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School, and a bachelor's degree in history and science magna cum laude with highest honors from Harvard-Radcliffe Colleges.
Cheryl is a frequent speaker on racial justice and equity in philanthropy. She has advocated for equitable funding for leaders of color on panels organized by The Stanford Social Innovation Review, Skoll World Forum, The World Economic Forum, and more. In 2020, Cheryl co-authored a research report in partnership with The Bridgespan Group, Racial Equity and Philanthropy: Disparities in Funding for Leaders of Color Leave Impact on the Table.
Cheryl has received numerous awards for her commitment to public service, including the Pfizer Roerig History of Medicine Award, the Robert Kennedy Distinguished Public Service Award, the Manuel C. Carballo Memorial Prize, and Middlebury College Center for Social Entrepreneurship's Vision Award. She was also featured as one of "America's Best Leaders" by US News & World Report and the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard Kennedy School in 2009, one of The Nonprofit Times' "Power and Influence Top 50" in 2010, 2011 and 2023, one of "America's Top 25 Philanthropy Speakers" by the Business of Giving in 2016, and has been a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences since 2017. In 2019, Cheryl was named a Schwab Foundation Social Innovation Thought Leader.
Job Titles:
- Researcher
- Manager, Research and Communications
Dabney Brice is a researcher and storyteller committed to using data to amplify the voices of social innovators and drive systems change.
As Research Manager at Echoing Green, she leads organizational research that informs internal learning, field-building, and strategic storytelling. Her work supports Echoing Green's mission to back bold leaders reimagining the world through social innovation.
The daughter of Haitian immigrants, Dabney is deeply committed to inclusive storytelling-ensuring that communities aren't just represented in the data, but are helping shape how it's collected, interpreted, and applied. She contributes to efforts that center equity in research and improve the visibility of social enterprises worldwide, including serving as an advisor to the World Economic Forum's Advisory Group on Social Enterprise Data. Dabney was also instrumental to the production of recent Echoing Green publications, including The Weight of Power: The Role of Metrics & Evaluation at the Intersection of Social Justice and Innovating for Equity: Unlocking Value for Communities and Businesses.
Her professional background includes work with the Delaware Municipal Clerks Institute, the Policy and Research Bureau at the NYC Comptroller's Office, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and the Office of Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY). These experiences reflect her longstanding commitment to public service, civic engagement, and policy grounded in community voice.
She holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Delaware and a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies from Lehigh University, and is a proud recipient of the Aspen Ideas Fellowship. Outside of work, Dabney enjoys long walks through Central Park, traveling, dancing, experimenting with new recipes, and previously hosting her podcast, The Uplift with Dabney Brice.
Job Titles:
- Leader
- Director, Individual Giving Development
Danica is a philanthropic leader with extensive experience in fundraising, strategic planning, and donor engagement.
She is dedicated to fostering equitable opportunities and driving meaningful change by implementing innovative development strategies and strengthening donor relationships through forward-thinking initiatives that advance organizational missions.
Before joining Echoing Green, Danica partnered with senior leadership to design impactful donor strategies and cultivate a culture of philanthropy among key stakeholders, enhancing long-term support for transformative programs.Danica is passionate about empowering communities and creating pathways for social mobility through education and workforce development. She focuses on building authentic partnerships that align donor goals with high-impact programs, ensuring a shared vision for meaningful change.
She holds dual Master's degrees in Business Administration and Public Health from Benedictine University and a B.S. in Psychology from Carnegie Mellon University. She lives in Westchester, NY, with her husband and children. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the city's vibrant restaurant scene, traveling and spending quality time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Chairman Emeritus / Vice Chairman, General Atlantic
Job Titles:
- Manager, Capital
- Manager, Capital Programs
- Strategist
Fueled by a deep commitment to advancing economic mobility and dismantling systemic barriers, Deshon Burgess is a social impact strategist dedicated to empowering underserved communities.
During his time at the United Negro College Fund's (UNCF) Institute for Capacity Building, he has been instrumental in closing the longstanding funding gaps between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other higher education institutions.
At UNCF ICB, Deshon led the execution and deployment of the $180 million HBCU Transformation Project, a groundbreaking initiative to strengthen institutional capacity, improve student outcomes, and expand pathways to economic mobility. As a key leader in this project, he drove transformation sprints, implementing strategic initiatives that enhanced technological infrastructure, transformed academic and administrative strategies, and fostered collaboration across multi-campus networks. His expertise in strategic management, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement has enabled him to build strong partnerships with funders, service providers, and HBCU leaders, ensuring the successful implementation and scaling of impactful programs.
Deshon's passion for leveraging business solutions to create a more equitable future stems from his experience as a Teach For America corps member, teaching science in a Title I district in Atlanta, GA. As Science Department Chair, he led initiatives to secure critical funding and resources, ensuring teachers and students had the tools they needed to achieve academic excellence.
Deshon holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Management from Clark Atlanta University School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Union College (NY). Deshon currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia. When he's not strategizing solutions for social impact, you can find him exploring new culinary delights, coaching youth basketball, or enjoying quality time with his wife and dog, Obi.
Job Titles:
- Associate, Communications
Elizabeth Allen is a communications professional with an editorial-focused background. She brings experience utilizing storytelling and research to foster consensus and promote narrative change, helping generate impact across communities.
Before joining Echoing Green, Elizabeth spent nearly three years at the Vera Institute of Justice, the national criminal justice think tank and advocacy organization. At Vera, she provided editorial support and coordinated day-to-day blog operations, in addition to managing the publication of discrete research projects and content. Elizabeth also authored several blogs of her own, featuring testimony from impacted people and contributions from subject matter experts, on topics ranging from the adaptive reuse of carceral infrastructure to the unique challenges faced by incarcerated women pursuing higher education.
Elizabeth holds a B.A. in history with a minor in educational studies from Bryn Mawr College.
Job Titles:
- Director, Capacity
- Director, Capacity Programs
Esmeralda Herrera, a passionate advocate with a global outlook and deep ties to the Bronx community, brings more than a decade of experience in propelling social change through entrepreneurship and community development.
Her global perspective was shaped through transformative experiences in India and China, where she worked closely with local artisans, entrepreneurs in rural Bihar and contributed to expanding experiential learning curricula in Beijing. Additionally, she played a crucial role in supporting changemaker conferences in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Esmeralda's journey has consistently been marked by her commitment to building startup infrastructures. She most recently led innovative projects that empowered local social entrepreneurs, notably spearheading an accelerator program in the Bronx and Harlem. Collaborating closely with founders, she assisted them in their social impact visions and developing business plans. Her visionary leadership culminated in the establishment of a comprehensive entrepreneurship curriculum, the nurturing of over 10 cohorts of idea-stage entrepreneurs, and the space activation of a dynamic incubation space for innovation and collaboration.
Her academic journey began with a linguistics degree from Reed College, igniting her enduring passion for learning and growth. She further enriched her cross-cultural perspective as an alumna of prestigious programs, including the AIF Bayan Fellowship, Princeton Asia Fellowship, CORO Workforce Leadership, Morgridge Acceleration Program Fellowship, and others.
A tireless champion for social justice, community, and inclusivity, Esmeralda's unwavering commitment drives her mission to create a more equitable and sustainable world. Her dedication extends beyond her professional life, as she actively contributes to the board of Farm School NYC as treasurer. She also previously served as a MAP Fellow at the Jane Goodall Institute. Her passion for sustainability is evidenced by her role as a compost apprentice and advisor at Earth Matter.
In her free time, she enjoys dancing and embarking on culinary adventures, reflecting her vibrant and multifaceted approach to life and work.
Job Titles:
- Board Co - Chair / CEO & Executive Director
Gabriel Posey is committed to bringing his more than twenty-five years as a technology thought leader to Echoing Green.
He also brings a depth of industry experience that runs the gamut from global construction firms to national media. With a motivating principle of 'people matter,' Gabriel turned his career from the private sector to the sociopolitical and nonprofit sectors. Throughout this ongoing season of fighting for the good of all people, Gabriel has served federal congressional representatives, senators, and even former presidents. In his spare time, Gabriel writes extensively on a range of topics and genres, including over a dozen fiction novels.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate, Institutional Giving Development
Geneva Gleason is a development professional who loves building relationships and mobilizing resources for social change movements.
Prior to joining Echoing Green, Geneva increased funding and recognition for the women in Ashoka's network as Global Coordinator of the Women's Initiative for Social Entrepreneurship (WISE). Besides leading fundraising and programming for WISE, she organized virtual and in-person events held in 6 languages, including the first ever pan-African gathering of women Ashoka Fellows in Lagos. Geneva represented WISE in partnerships with organizations including Porticus, UPS Foundation, Microsoft Philanthropies, and Alwaleed Philanthropies. Her work with Ashoka was based in Egypt, where she moved in 2019 to complete the Presidential Associates Fellowship at the American University in Cairo.
Geneva earned a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Media Studies and Arabic from McGill University. She was an active member of Montreal's DIY music community, volunteered with McGill Students' Nightline, and studied abroad in Lebanon. Outside of work, Geneva loves cooking, cycling, songwriting, taking 35mm portraits of her loved ones, and maintaining her French and Arabic fluency.
Job Titles:
- Communications Strategist
- Senior Manager, Communications
Grace is a communications strategist with experience managing storytelling, editorial planning, brand voice, and content production.
Prior to joining Echoing Green, she led communications and creative initiatives at Together Rising. Grace brings a people-centered approach to her work, producing communications that uplift our shared humanity. She holds a B.A. in Communication from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
In her personal time, Grace loves to cook. She also enjoys exploring coffee shops and restaurants in Seattle, where she moved recently.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Apollo Global Management Team
- Founder and CEO, Ujama
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager, Events and Engagements
From her broad range of experiences in international universities, global fellowships, and nonprofit management, Jasmine is passionate about creating impactful and inclusive spaces for diverse communities.
Prior to joining Echoing Green, Jasmine managed a global fellowship program and membership network for extraordinary students and young professionals from first-generation and low-income backgrounds who strive to create a positive social change. She was a Humanity in Action Fellow (Detroit, 2018) and is a volunteer for Brooklyn Pride.
Jasmine earned her bachelor's degree in International Politics and Gender Studies from The American University of Paris. Her experience living abroad drove her interest in equitable and sustainable development around the world. In her free time, Jasmine enjoys biking, playing softball, being an amateur barista, and befriending other people's dogs.
Job Titles:
- Communications Leader
- Managing Director, Communications
Jason is a social impact communications leader. He uses his expertise to build the understanding, connections, and community needed for lasting change.
For nearly two decades, he has been privileged to do this with some of the world's leading philanthropists and nonprofits. Prior to Echoing Green, this included positions with Gates Ventures, the Raikes Foundation, and the Science Philanthropy Alliance. Although Jason's work has spanned issues ranging from homelessness to climate change, his approach remains grounded in a belief that effective communications centers those most affected by an issue.
Jason holds a B.S. in Political Science from the University of Idaho.
Jessica leads the planning and execution of Echoing Green events, ensuring that our engagements are accessible, inclusive, and highly impactful for our growing community.
Jessica is an event producer with over eight years of experience in higher education and the nonprofit sector. With incredible attention to detail and a structured logistical event flow, Jessica specializes in handling stressful event situations with grace. Before joining Echoing Green, Jessica planned cultivation and stewardship events for Development and Alumnae Relations at Barnard College. She led her team to plan and execute in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, including Barnard's Annual Gala, the College's largest fundraiser, which raised an average of $3 million for student financial aid. Jessica believes all events should be produced with an intersectional and inclusive lens to ensure a positive guest experience while advancing the event's goals.
In addition to planning events, Jessica is a fierce advocate for gender equity and reproductive justice. She is the former vice president of the NYC Chapter of the National Organization for Women, where she promoted intersectional feminist practices through grassroots advocacy, storytelling, and community partnerships.
Jessica earned a Bachelor of Science in Community Health from Hofstra University and a Master of Arts in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Columbia University. She is currently pursuing a Juris Doctor from the City University of New York Law School.
During her free time, Jessica enjoys indoor cycling, traveling, lounging on the beach, and creating memories with her family!
Joanna is dedicated to ensuring that Echoing Green's Executive Office is operating with efficiency and impact toward serving the mission of the organization.
As Chief of staff, Joanna sits at the intersection of supporting Echoing Green's President, managing the activities of its Board of Directors and driving staff culture and transparent communication. She is a doer, strategic thinker, project planner and problem solver. Prior to being Chief of Staff, Joanna managed key funding and strategic partnerships at Echoing Green.
Prior to joining Echoing Green, Joanna coordinated development efforts for the national office of Public Allies and Lebanese American University and analyzed data and research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Joanna is a graduate of Boston College with a degree in Economics, and holds a Master's degree in Public Administration from Baruch College. Joanna is based in Los Angeles. In her free time, you'll find Joanna hiking a trail, attending the theater or planning out a new adventure.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate, Finance / Finance & Operations
Jonna brings over 13 years of experience working in non-profit as a finance professional, and considers herself a bridge between, finance, administration, and operations.
Before coming to EG, Jonna supported the Finance & Administration team at Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation-a non-profit that addresses the urgent needs of the residents of Upper Manhattan and the Bronx, including housing, income, health, education and more.
Job Titles:
- Director, Corporate Engagement / Development
Kate leads Echoing Green's efforts to engage thousands of corporate leaders with social innovation programming so they can drive impact at their organizations and within their communities.
Previously at Echoing Green, Kate led the portfolio team and launched the Direct Impact program, which engaged a dynamic group of emerging business leaders who are dedicated to realizing their full potential as agents of social change. Prior to joining Echoing Green, she worked as Director of Evaluation and Program Impact in the national office of Minds Matter, where she developed new systems and methods for evaluating organizational success. While at Minds Matter, she led several new initiatives for engaging alumni, scaling the organization, and training 1,700 skills-based volunteers across the United States. Kate currently sits on the Executive Committee at the Northfield Mount Hermon School, where she also serves as Chair of the Young Alumni Committee. She holds a degree in Behavioral Neuroscience from Northeastern University. When she is not creating experiential leadership programs, Kate can be found practicing yoga, spending time in nature, or working on her latest writing endeavor.
Job Titles:
- Deputy Director, Technology
Kayleigh is a personal growth enthusiast and data nerd. This makes her an advocate for people-first technology and systems innovation.
She started her career in data & technology at Echoing Green in 2014 as a Knowledge Management Associate. Learning so much at Echoing Green from Fellows and her incredible mentor, Kayleigh went on to co-own a Salesforce consulting firm (OpenTent) to help social entrepreneurs grow their impact with customized data systems.
After deciding to dedicate more of her life to family, she took a leap of faith onto her next career lily pad. Kayleigh started her own solo consulting business (Kay Coaching) where she coached nonprofit Salesforce Admins to lead their organizations' technical and strategic data success. Her true passion is facilitating tech trainings with good vibes + meaningful growth for both people and teams.
Kayleigh continued consulting with Echoing Green over the years. In 2025 she joined the team again, this time as Deputy Director of Technology with a vision of co-creating systems that unlock new levels of human connection and measurable impact.
Prior to becoming a techie, Kayleigh was a case worker in Rhode Island during her time at Brown University. After graduating, she moved to Washington DC to rally support for universal pre-k. After moving to New York City for love, she now calls Upstate New York her forever home. Kayleigh is also a first generation college grad, powerlifting MC, aspiring dog whisperer, and proud wife & mom.
Job Titles:
- Director, Institutional Giving / Development
Laura Kaufmann has more than 15 years of experience working across the global nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors.
She is passionate about building strategic partnerships and delivering effective solutions to complex challenges facing nonprofit leaders and organizations, improving performance in fundraising, training, and communication of value and mission. Prior to joining Echoing Green, Laura served as Program Development Specialist for the Institute of International Education, where she collaborated with partners such as the Gates Foundation, Open Society Foundations, and Cargill, Inc., to secure funding and design programs supporting international exchange and global leadership development. In this role, she also worked successfully with international teams in Asia and Africa and cross-functionally across program and core operational teams.
Laura has volunteered for competitive scholarship panels for leading study abroad programs, internal organizational committees, and on Hope for New York's Community Grants Circle. She has served as a community-based mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters NYC for over a decade and volunteered at the Variety Boys and Girls Club in Queens. She earned her B.A. at Covenant College and her M.A. at Boston University. In her free time, she loves cycling, watching classic films, and enjoying the diversity of food and entertainment available in NYC.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Capital
- Manager, Capital Programs
- Social Innovation Strategist, Program Designer
Leya is a social innovation strategist, program designer, and coalition-builder, who leads Echoing Green's Global Fellow Search initiatives.
For nearly a decade, Leya has worked alongside leading social entrepreneurs, policymakers, community organizers, and researchers to create transformational change from Oakland, CA to Baltimore, MD, to Kigali, Rwanda. At Baltimore Corps, Leya served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, where she designed and implemented multi-million-dollar talent incubators and social innovation accelerators elevating Baltimore's underrepresented leaders. Leya is relentlessly committed to connecting and investing in proximate leaders dismantling systems of global oppression.
A proud first-generation college graduate of Stanford University, Leya earned a B.A. in Psychology and African & African American Studies. Leya's leadership and commitment to community-driven social innovation have been recognized with honors such as the J.E. Wallace Sterling Award, Truman Scholarship, and a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from House Representative Nancy Pelosi.
Originally from southeast San Francisco, CA, with roots in East Africa, Leya loves spending time with loved ones, exploring wellness practices, and immersing herself in contemporary art.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Vice President Thought Leadership
Liza is dedicated to ensuring that Echoing Green is a learning organization. As head of knowledge and thought leadership, she supports Echoing Green's mission to advance global equity and sustainability by increasing our impact potential and influencing the fields of social innovation and philanthropy to move significant resources and shift power to proximate leaders and their communities.
Liza Mueller brings nearly two decades of experience in program evaluation, systems design and implementation, and research to her role as Vice President of Knowledge at Echoing Green. Over the last decade, she has transformed the organization's systems architecture, guided its strategic planning, and launched its knowledge function to creatively leverage data and insights to deepen Echoing Green's impact. During her tenure at Echoing Green, Liza has previously overseen its operations and programs teams and now regularly plays an advisory role in aligning team strategies across the organization.
Liza believes that transformational social change can happen only when deep trust, respect, and community voice are centered across the board - from sharing resources, to program design and implementation, to research and thought leadership. In 2020, Echoing Green and The Bridgespan Group published Racial Equity and Philanthropy: Disparities in Funding for Leaders of Color Leave Impact on the Table, which was the product of nearly nine years of patient data collection and research by Liza, her team, and Echoing Green's programs staff. Her team also produces annual reports on trends in the social entrepreneurship field and contributes to research across the sector. Liza is an active Echoing Green representative on cross-sector alliances, including Catalyst 2030 and the World Economic Forum COVID Response Alliance for Social Entrepreneurs. She is a dynamic public speaker who has presented on topics ranging from theory of change development, impact management, inequity in access to capital, and Sustainable Development Goals in social enterprise.
Before joining Echoing Green, Liza's career focused on creatively designing and implementing systems to collect, organize, and present information to further the mission and goals of remarkable organizations, entrepreneurs, and artists. Liza holds a degree in biology from Hendrix College and was awarded a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship, which enabled her to travel the world surveying the impacts of coastal development on sea turtle populations.
Job Titles:
- Executive
- Treasurer and Chair of Finance on the Board of the Urban Manufacturing Alliance
- Vice President, Finance & Operations
Louisa Caçoilo is an experienced nonprofit executive with a passion for building exceptional organizations and empowering the people who drive them.
Over the last decade, Louisa has dedicated her career to building capacity and operational infrastructure within organizations dedicated to expanding social and financial capital opportunities for social innovators and underrepresented founders. At Echoing Green, Louisa leads internal operations and administrative systems supporting Finance, Operations, Technology, and Human Resources.
Before joining Echoing Green, Louisa served as the Vice President of Finance, Strategy & Operations at P33, a Chicago-based nonprofit focused on driving inclusive economic growth for Illinois' tech sector. She has also had a successful career in place-based economic and venture development throughout the U.S. Mid-South and Midwest regions. During her tenure at Epicenter Memphis, Louisa collaborated with key partners in city government, the nonprofit sector, and private businesses to develop and implement operating processes for The 800 Initiative, brokering access to $15 million in capital for minority entrepreneurs in Memphis. She has been recognized as a 40 under 40 Urban Elite Professional, a Black Tech Futures Research Institute Fellow, a Chicago Venture Fellow focused on impact investing, and an Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation ESHIP Champion for her work advancing the field of entrepreneurial ecosystem building.
Louisa serves as Treasurer and Chair of Finance on the board of the Urban Manufacturing Alliance, a national coalition dedicated to building modern manufacturing economies, broadening access to mission-driven financial products, and fostering homegrown innovation to ensure cities and towns remain vibrant centers of production. She also served for five years on the board of United Housing Inc., a community development financial institution (CDFI) committed to creating housing opportunities for underserved residents through mortgage lending, financial education, and home building & renovation.
Louisa began her professional career as an orchestral musician and holds degrees in clarinet performance from the Baylor University School of Music and the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. In 2021, she was named a Neubauer Civic Scholar at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, joining a national cohort of nonprofit professionals recognized for their excellence and dedication to advancing the social sector. Louisa resides in Chicago, IL with her husband Michael, their dog Dallas (named after her beloved Texas hometown), and a collection of over 50 houseplants.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Capital Disbursements
- Manager, Capital Disbursements Programs
Lucia is a program and operations strategist dedicated to advancing social change through systems thinking, strategic program design, and leadership development.
Originally from the countryside of Argentina, she brings over a decade of experience in the social impact sector, managing global programs, supporting cross-functional teams, and leading strategic initiatives to strengthen organizational effectiveness.
Most recently at Acumen, Lucia led key operational and programmatic efforts across global leadership programs, online learning, and community-building initiatives. She led the implementation of Acumen's first Spanish-language accelerator in Latin America and spearheaded fellowship selection processes across nine regions. From 2021 to 2023, she also led the Train-the-Trainer program, building a global network of skilled facilitators to expand Acumen's reach. Her work has consistently focused on applying systems thinking to improve program design and enhance collaboration.
Earlier in her career, Lucia supported economic and sustainability initiatives at Environmental Defense Fund, and assisted with operations and legal negotiations at a diplomatic mission to the United Nations. She also advised graduate students at Columbia University, where she served as a TA and lecturer in conflict resolution strategies courses. She began her career in Argentina, providing legal counsel on government programs in underserved communities.
Lucia holds a Master's in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution from Columbia University and a Law degree from the University of Buenos Aires. A native Spanish speaker, she is passionate about implementing programs that empower communities to lead change. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her husband and daughter, and enjoys running and exploring everything the city has to offer.
Job Titles:
- Manager, People & Operations
Maibe is a human resources professional with a passion for fostering inclusive workplace cultures and driving organizational success through strategic people management.
Prior to joining Echoing Green, she led operations and HR systems management at DonorsChoose. Maibe brings an analytical mindset and process improvement skills; she is dedicated to optimizing HR functions to drive productivity and results. As a lifelong Mets fan, she brings the same enthusiasm and resilience to the workplace as she does to cheer for her favorite team. Outside of work, Maibe enjoys traveling, hiking, and exploring National Parks across the U.S.
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager, Institutional Giving
Marley is an experienced fundraising professional with a passion for leveraging institutional partnerships to create systemic change.
Job Titles:
- Global Head of Marketing and Communications, General Atlantic
Job Titles:
- Founder, Melinda B Wolfe & Assoc.
Michio currently resides in Brooklyn, NY and is a graduate from the University of Connecticut where he studied Natural Resources
Through his studies and previous experiences, he has gained a strong passion for environmental justice. In his last role with the Open Space Institute, he researched and conducted work on a wide variety of topics including Climate-Informed Forest Management and Indigenous History in the Hudson Valley. He aspires to continuously learn about domestic and international human rights issues, and has a deep passion for all things environmental. In his free time he enjoys hiking, skiing, attending concerts, and traveling.
Job Titles:
- International Policy Specialist
- Manager, Community
Natasha is an international policy specialist and social justice advocate, with a career rooted in over six years of advancing gender equity, inclusive philanthropy, and urban policy.
Raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Natasha's early witness to systemic racism and police violence deeply shaped her worldview and commitment to justice. She channeled this sense of purpose into action, co-leading the largest BLM protest in St. Louis history and serving as a labor organizer with Harvard University, AFSCME, and SEIU to build worker power and solidarity within labor communities.
As a biracial woman of color, identifying as Indian (Punjabi) and white, Natasha's commitment to intersectional feminism has also been a guiding force. She holds degrees in International Relations and Spanish from the University of California, Irvine, and a Master's in International Studies, Latin America from Stanford University, where she conducted research on feminist approaches to urban planning in Latin America, advocating for cities that prioritize the safety and agency of women and girls. In Mexico City, she expanded this research to the professional world when she was awarded the Fulbright Public Policy Initiative grant, and worked with the United Nations Women, leading efforts to address gender violence through projects with policymakers and diplomatic officials.
In her philanthropic work, Natasha has channeled her expertise into supporting reproductive justice across Latin America, directing millions in funding to empower grassroots organizations with intersectional, community-led solutions that drive systemic change. She brings to Echoing Green a blend of strategic leadership, global policy acumen and a community-centered vision-a unique combination she's excited to use in uplifting a new generation of changemakers through the New Fellow Program.
In her free time, Natasha enjoys running, soaking in the sun with her friends, dancing to reggaetón and afrobeats, and exploring new foods.
Job Titles:
- Head of Patricia Industries, North America
Job Titles:
- Specialist, Executive Office Operations Executive Office
Job Titles:
- Associate, Events and Engagements
- Senior Associate, Digital Media Communications
Olivia is passionate about bringing people together in creative, meaningful ways to empower collective action.
Before joining Echoing Green, she coordinated voter registration drives at concerts across the country as an Artist Relations Touring Representative at HeadCount-a nonprofit that uses the power of music to encourage civic engagement. Olivia believes that events are powerful platforms for building community and inspiring positive change.
Olivia holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies with minors in Sociology and Art from Hamilton College. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, trying new recipes, and going to concerts.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Apollo Global Management Team
Job Titles:
- Associate, Events and Engagements
Pooja is a passionate advocate and creative.
A strong proponent of community-building, she is a firm believer that individuals from all walks of life can forge meaningful relationships through memorable experiences. In her work and beyond, Pooja seeks to curate inclusive spaces that inspire camaraderie, innovation, and progress.
Pooja has a B.A. in Music Business and Vocal Performance from Berklee College of Music. Prior to joining Echoing Green, she spent several years in the music industry, working closely with independent artists to support their growth.
In her free time, Pooja loves to eat, travel, and go to concerts.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Apollo Global Management Team
- CEO, Last Mile Health
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate, Technology
Rayna is a graduate of Villanova University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, majoring in Political Science and Communication.
At Villanova, she participated in a variety of social justice and cultural organizations and provided mentorship to low-income and first-generation students navigating the college experience. After graduation, she completed a year of service with AmeriCorps City Year. She volunteered in an underserved Queens, NY middle school close to where she grew up, serving as a literacy coach, after-school coordinator, and mentor to 6th-8th graders. After that, she worked as a data analyst for Friends of Island Academy, helping formerly incarcerated youth re-enter and succeed in society. During her free time, Rayna enjoys reading, listening to music, watching TV, and finding new food spots to try with her friends.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director, Community
- Senior Director, Community Programs
Unleashing the power of communities has been at the core of Ricardo's leadership and life's work. And, it's the essence of his mission as Echoing Green's Senior Director of Community
Fueled by a righteous indignation and fierce commitment to serving the most marginalized communities and battling systems that perpetuate racial injustice, Ricardo brings a unique wealth of knowledge and experience accumulated over 15 years of serving in a variety of leadership roles.
As a classroom, program, and school leader in Los Angeles and Oakland, California, he worked alongside community members to conceive and actualize bold visions of powerful and innovative educational models for students. As a school district leader in Madison, Wisconsin, he mobilized and unified a diverse community coalition in service to the community's youth put most at risk by the system. Through it all, Ricardo has leveraged a raw and authentic visual and oral storytelling style to build community and galvanize individuals, groups, and organizations into action.
Prior to joining Echoing Green, Ricardo served as Senior Director of Communications at the Latino Community Foundation (LCF), leading as an "air traffic controller" to LCF's internal and external communication systems, ensuring its overall narrative was aligned to its core values and strategic vision. As a member of its senior leadership team, Ricardo contributed to the strategic planning and execution of LCF's Latino Power Fund, an initiative that secured nearly $20 million in funding within a year of its launch.
Ricardo is a proud son of immigrants from Zacatecas, Mexico, born and raised in Southeast Los Angeles alongside his many (many) siblings. He holds a Doctorate in Education Leadership from Harvard University, a Master of Education in Education Leadership from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State University, Fullerton.
In his free time, Ricardo relishes time envisioning just and beautiful worlds (and bringing them to fruition however he can), drawing inspiration from great films, refining his skincare routines, and stuffing his face with the culinary delicacies of his motherland (often with the use of his trusty comal) in the company of loved ones.
Job Titles:
- President
- President and Co - Leader
Job Titles:
- Fellow / CEO and Co - Founder of Tala
Job Titles:
- Managing Director of People & Operations
- Managing Director, People & Operations / Finance & Operations
Stacy Lewis is a systems thinker and people-first leader who builds strategies and structures that bring organizational values to life.
As Managing Director of People & Operations at Echoing Green, Stacy leads the strategy and execution behind the systems, practices, and culture that shape the employee experience and strengthen the organization's infrastructure. She leads cross-functional efforts with directors and team leads to design inclusive systems, translate values into policy, and create the conditions for staff to thrive. Her portfolio spans human resources, operations, and organizational effectiveness - all anchored in a deep commitment to equity, transparency, and care.
With more than two decades of experience across education, human services, and the nonprofit sector, Stacy brings a steady, strategic lens to building strong teams and effective structures. At Echoing Green, she has stewarded major organizational shifts - from redesigning compensation and performance management to codifying internal policy and grounding people practices in the organization's mission.
In 2025, Stacy completed The Equity Lab's Nexus Fellowship, a leadership program for executives advancing equity and systemic change within institutions. The experience deepened her practice as a strategist and reaffirmed her belief that meaningful change must be rooted in relationships, clarity, and care.
Stacy holds a master's degree from The New School - Milano School of Policy, Management, and Environment and a bachelor's from Hofstra University. Prior to Echoing Green, she held leadership roles at Pratt Institute, PowerMyLearning, and Knowledge Delivery Systems.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Stacy is a native New Yorker who leads with intention, humor, and heart - and can usually be found with a song in her head, singing in harmony (or solo) whenever the moment calls for it.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- Managing Director Programs
Susannah leads Echoing Green's Programs team operations. She guides the team disbursing capital and growing capacity for hundreds of global innovators.
Susannah brings nearly two decades of experience in global social impact and program leadership. Her socially focused career includes designing and managing 20+ multi-year, multimillion-dollar programs. Her experience spans from supporting Rwandan artisans' economic mobility and independence by connecting village leaders to Indego Africa to leveraging human-centered design to lead local ThinkImpact Scholars to develop successful social enterprises. While in Liberia, she mapped the social enterprise and impact investing landscape then went on to Washington, DC to manage a public-private partnership for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office for International and Philanthropic Innovation and counterparts in Brazil. Additionally, she supported first generation rising college students through alumni and volunteer programs for College Summit. Prior to joining Echoing Green, Susannah served as the Director of Membership and Programs for the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) at the Aspen Institute, building a network of organizations supporting small and growing business entrepreneurs globally.
Susannah earned a BA from the University of Virginia, and an MBA focused on Global Development and Social Entrepreneurship from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. She now lives in Arlington, VA with her family and can be found biking, hiking or planning the next travel adventure.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director, Finance Finance & Operations
Job Titles:
- Specialist, Executive Operations Executive Office
Tabitha joins Echoing Green as an Executive Operations Specialist with over 14 years of experience supporting senior leaders, including 10 years in the finance industry.
In her previous roles, Tabitha worked closely with C-suite executives, managing strategic international and domestic travel, overseeing intricate calendars, and orchestrating everything from high-stakes board meetings to assisting marketing in global conferences. Known for her "all hands on deck" approach, Tabitha thrives in fast-paced environments and naturally steps in wherever needed.
A true jack of all trades, Tabitha has contributed to recruiting efforts, partnered with business managers to oversee team budgets, and collaborated with global colleagues on DEI strategy and implementation. During the pandemic, she completed her project management courses, further sharpening her ability to bring structure and strategy to any initiative.
Affectionately known as the department's morale booster, Tabitha's talent for planning is just one part of the value she brings to a team-she's organized office holiday parties, team-building events, and even thoughtful celebrations for her coworkers' children. She loves a good-themed party and has a natural knack for creating memorable experiences, which is why she's convinced she was an event planner in her past life.
A proud Brooklyn native, Tabitha brings her signature mix of energy, style, and warmth wherever she goes. Outside of work, she's a self-proclaimed fashionista, world traveler, and a foodie who loves discovering new restaurants via social media and cooking alongside her family. Tabitha also loves to laugh and is known for her quick wit and great sense of humor. She's rarely one to shy away from the mic-karaoke hates to see her coming!
Most importantly, she's a proud boy mom who embraces life's beautiful chaos with grace, rhythm, and a big smile. Tabitha is excited to bring her dynamic skill set, love for people, and passion for excellence to Echoing Green.
Job Titles:
- Specialist, Administrative Operations
- Specialist, Administrative Operations Thought Leadership
Vashti has over 20 years' experience serving as a project manager or executive support to C-suite executives.
She has contributed to the success of Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, special projects, artists and events as an invaluable asset, strategic thinker and trusted solutions-driven partner. Her passion for communications and creativity has allowed her to support the growth and evolution of brands and projects through web design, social media management and the development of corporate and marketing strategies. Vashti received her Bachelors of Arts fin Communications from the University of Pittsburgh.
When she is not supporting the success of a project or her executives and teams, she can be found enjoying her family, shouting at a basketball or soccer game, writing a new short story, or creating music and art.