Meet the 2024-2025 Connecting Leaders Fellows: Driving Change in Philanthropy

We are excited to introduce the 2024-2025 cohort of ABFE’s Connecting Leaders Fellowship Program (CLFP), a pivotal initiative designed to cultivate bold, representative, and inclusive leaders in the philanthropic sector. Now in its 18th year, with over 180 fellows who have participated and become key influencers in their respective roles, CLFP has grown into one of the sector’s most transformative and prestigious leadership programs. This year’s cohort is an exceptionally dynamic group of emerging leaders, bringing a wealth of diverse experiences and fresh perspectives to the fellowship. Their collective expertise and commitment to advancing equity will undoubtedly shape the philanthropic sector in meaningful ways.

Let’s meet our newest fellows:

Ageno Otii, Senior Program Officer at The Colorado Health Foundation:Ageno is dedicated to building power in communities of color. Her work focuses on growing community-led change, broadening advocacy efforts, and deepening community capacity for economic opportunity. Ageno's passion for system change is rooted in her Ugandan heritage and a belief in people-powered transformation. 

Dr. Angelique Williams-Pinnock, Senior Program Officer for Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies: A champion of racial and gender equity, she integrates applied research into organizational change strategies. Angelique’s expertise spans DEI, workforce development, and leadership, ensuring sustainable and inclusive practices. 

Brandon Lee, Program Analyst at the California Endowment: Brandon plays a pivotal role in advancing racial equity and anti-racism initiatives. He develops strategies to assess the Endowment’s progress in becoming an anti-racist foundation. Brandon’s academic background in Kinesiology and Business Data Analytics informs his impactful work in the nonprofit sector. 

Dr. Janel Pasley, Program Officer at Ascension St. John: Janel strengthens cross-sector collaborations to advance health equity. As a connector and movement builder, she is committed to dismantling barriers in funding and fostering creative solutions. She is also the founder of a business incubator for minority entrepreneurs.

Katherine Ponce, Research Manager for Special Projects at NCRP:Katherine conducts research on philanthropic barriers for Black communities and explores regressive practices in the sector. With dual degrees in Social Impact and Global Health, Katherine is passionate about addressing inequities in the South and beyond. 

LaCora Bradford Kesti, Vice President of Community Impact in Minneapolis: LaCora has dedicated over two decades to community development. A Northside community advocate, she has worked in both government and nonprofit sectors and is deeply committed to collective impact efforts that enhance quality of life in her community. 

Marsha Morgan, Project Manager at the Alabama Power Foundation: Marsha supports community investment and social justice initiatives. She brings extensive experience in philanthropy, having led initiatives such as the Community Investment Network and served on the board of several organizations committed to equity and empowerment. 

Mike Woodwar, Regional Program Officer at the Schott Foundation for Public Education: Mike focuses on advancing equity in education systems. With a background in nonprofit leadership and teaching, Mike is passionate about providing opportunities for all students to thrive. He is also an active board member and mentor. 

Omari Richins, Health Improvement Program Officer at the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust:  Omari works to improve health outcomes for marginalized communities in North Carolina. With a background in public health and a commitment to increasing the involvement of men of color in the field, Omari is a tireless advocate for health equity. 

Jasmyne Beckford, Program Manager at Prudential: Focuses on driving inclusive economic growth through education and workforce development initiatives in Newark. With experience in both university and nonprofit sectors, Jasmyne is deeply engaged in racial equity and community investment efforts. 

The importance of greater representation in the philanthropic sector cannot be overstated. By convening and empowering early to mid-career Black professionals, CLFP is actively working to make the sector more diverse, equitable, and truly reflective of the communities it seeks to serve. As always, professional development remains a core pillar of the CLFP experience, with fellows embarking on an immersive journey that includes rigorous leadership training, access to vital educational resources, and rich networking opportunities that foster lasting relationships.  

We remain deeply committed to preparing philanthropic professionals to address the sector’s most pressing challenges while advancing racial equity and justice in their communities. ABFE is proud to witness the continued impact of this program as it shapes leaders who are not only dedicated to supporting Black communities but are also driving systemic change across philanthropy. By strengthening the philanthropic leadership pipeline, CLFP helps to build a sector that is more inclusive and responsive to the unique needs of Black communities. We are eager to see this new cohort engage in their transformative experience and carry forward the legacy of those who came before them. The future of Black philanthropy has never been brighter, and this cohort is ready to make its mark! 

Please join us in extending a warm welcome and congratulations to our new fellows! Stay tuned for more updates and stories from our 2024-2025 CLFP cohort.