Biography
I am a passionate lover of democracy and a believer in the power of everyday people. I also love dogs, baseball, sunsets, baking bread, and my family (not in that order!).
I have had a fascinating and rewarding career in philanthropy, working with grantmaking organizations that work in a specific place (city, metro area, or region) to improve the quality of life of the people who live there. I am known for my expertise in using micro-granting as a community engagement tactic and working with funding organizations to realign organizational culture and practice to support their organization’s community engagement goals.
Most recently, I served as Executive Director of Grassroots Grantmakers, a professional membership network of place-based funding organizations, practitioners, and grassroots leaders in the United States and Canada. As Grassroots Grantmakers' first executive director, I helped build the organization into a well-respected network that 1) supports learning and knowledge development on community and resident engagement; 2) advocates for micro-granting as a key tactic for activating and strengthening informal groups of neighbors; and 3) champions a "we begin with residents” orientation to community change grantmaking. Prior to my work with Grassroots Grantmakers, I served as Executive Vice President and Vice President of Programs at the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis and Director of Memphis’ Center for Neighborhoods.
I have a Master's Degree in Urban Anthropology from the University of Memphis and a certification in personal and executive coaching from the Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara. I am an emeritus faculty member of the Asset Based Community Development Institute and have been trained as a BoardSource consultant. My most important education, however, was from the powerful women I met in my Memphis, Tennessee, neighborhood who helped me find my voice and have the courage to advocate for change.
I am now directing my volunteer time and experience with community building and organizational development to the League’s mission of empowering voters and defending democracy in my home community. I currently serve on the League of Women Voters of Texas’ Board of Directors as Secretary and member of the Management Committee. I am also the founder and President of the League of Women Voters of South Central Texas, offering my kitchen table as our League's "power table".