This is your opportunity to engage in candid conversations with experienced leaders in philanthropy about the trials, triumphs, and lessons learned from their years of practice in the sector. Hear inspirational stories and get honest answers the questions you have been reluctant to ask.

Please note that space is limited and seating is first-come; first-serve.

Brennan Gould

Brennan Gould is the president and CEO of the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation – a grantmaker whose mission it is to drive positive, sustainable change in Charlottesville and surrounding communities. Prior to becoming president, Brennan served as director of the foundation’s grant-funded programs, gaining national recognition for her work, for which she received the Robert W. Scrivner Award for Creative Grantmaking for an innovative grantmaking initiative created in response to the deadly racial riots that rocked Charlottesville and the nation in 2017. As a passionate public and human service leader, Brennan also worked as a district liaison to former U.S. Congressman Tom Perriello of Virginia. This session explores the challenges, triumphs, and differences in exercising leadership after a tragedy strikes your community.

Sharon Alpert

Sharon Alpert became the fourth president and first female leader of The Nathan Cummings Foundation in November 2015. A seasoned philanthropic leader, Sharon has more than 20 years of experience working at the intersection of inequality and environmental issues. Sharon served as the vice president of programs and strategic initiatives at the Surdna Foundation and began her career in philanthropy at the Ford Foundation, where she implemented a cross-portfolio initiative to address inequality in housing, employment and environmental opportunities in Camden, New Jersey. In this session, Sharon discussed the Nathan Cummings Foundation’s approach to impact investing and their decision to go all-in, aligning 100 percent of their nearly half-billion-dollar endowment with the foundation’s mission to reduce social inequality and building an inclusive clean economy.

Lisa Hamilton

Lisa Hamilton is the president and chief executive officer of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a private philanthropy dedicated to building a brighter future for children, families and communities in the United States. Prior to becoming president and CEO, Hamilton was the Foundation’s executive vice president and chief program officer, overseeing investments to promote community change, economic opportunity for families and public system reform. She also guided efforts to strengthen the social sector and encourage the take-up of effective strategies. Hamilton previously served as vice president of external affairs, leading Casey’s efforts to provide data, analysis, research and policy solutions to help all children realize their potential. In this session, Hamilton discussed how the Casey Foundation has strived to achieve racial equity and inclusion in all aspects of work, from grant making to operations. She shared the Casey Foundation’s challenges and progress in this ongoing journey.