Changing the face of philanthropy in Western New York

Equity through Development is designed to remove barriers and empower women of color to excel in fundraising and development careers, a field historically dominated by white professionals. Over the past three months, experienced fundraising professionals delivered an array of powerful sessions covering topics essential to their success. In turn, each graduate is applying lessons learned to real world fundraising projects benefitting local organizations.

Congratulations to our 2023 Equity through Development Graduates!

Mai Abdullah – Refugees Helping Refugees
Pauletta Brown – Agape Worship Center
Thelma Rouse – Saving AJ, Inc.
Aries Jordan – YMCA of Greater Rochester
Win Min Thant – Open Buffalo
Bridgette Jones-Water – Yellow Tea Rose Foundation
Cheryl G. Lee – Molina Health
Loritea Ellis – Saving AJ, Inc

A Special Thank You to Our

Mentors & Facilitators
Holly Beaston, Mentor/Facilitator
Kevin Beckford, Facilitator
Sydney Bell, Mentor/Facilitator
Mary Kay Bishop, Facilitator
Mia Cannon, Mentor/Facilitator
Andrea Carvalho, Facilitator
Florence Dukes, Mentor/Facilitator
Krystle Ellis, Mentor
Felicia Garcia-Hartstein, Facilitator
Laura Garrison, Mentor/Facilitator
Dr. Sharitta Gross,Facilitator
Eric Guzman, Facilitator
Gabby Herencia, Facilitator
Tricia Marsherall, Facilitator
Velvet Spicer, Facilitator
Dawn Stever, Facilitator
Isha Torres, Mentor
Alyssa Whitfield, Facilitator

Sponsor & Program Partners
Dress for Success Rochester
EY
NSP Studio
NY Funders Alliance
Urban Euphoria
& Individual Donors

Interested in being part of our next cohort? This free 12-week program will run from March-May 2024, with registration opening in early January.

Questions? Contact Kim Smith, Director of Development, at kssmith@ywcarochester.org or 585-368-2260.

We graciously acknowledge EY, NY Funders Alliance, Rochester Women’s Giving Circle and several individual donors who have generously underwritten the expense of this program.