Board of Directors

Maria Badali

Maria Badali leverages over two decades of extensive management consulting experience across sectors, industries and geographies to empower organizations for sustained success. As Principal and Lead Consultant at Arkle Consulting Group, she partners with mission-driven organizations to not only identify challenges but also implement inclusive and effective solutions that truly last. Known for her ability to integrate business acumen with a deep understanding of human dynamics, Maria has a proven track record of developing impactful strategic plans, designing and leading signature training programs to build capacity, and advising leaders on managing major organizational transformations within diverse settings. As a facilitator, Maria is recognized for her ability to deeply engage diverse groups, creating an environment where participants can openly explore ideas and achieve meaningful outcomes. She is highly skilled at adapting content in real-time and synthesizing complex discussions into actionable insights, consistently delivering transformative and memorable learning experiences.

Maria holds an MBA in Strategic Management and Finance from the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College and a Master’s degree in Linguistics and Pedagogics from the University of Pertrozavodsk, Russia.

For more information: https://www.arklegroup.com

Joseph J. Barretto

Joseph J. Barretto is a nonprofit management strategist with 20 years of experience advising mission-driven organizations on organizational planning, leadership development, and fundraising strategy. His approach is grounded in hands-on executive leadership, having served as Executive Director of The DOME Project, Deputy Director at the NYC Anti-Violence Project, and Deputy Executive Director at Hudson Guild. Joseph works with boards and senior staff to build capacity, strengthen governance, and align strategy with impact. He also facilitates leadership and fundraising trainings for nonprofit managers and board members across the sector.

He holds degrees from Harvard College and Columbia University’s School of International & Public Affairs and serves on multiple nonprofit boards.

For more information: https://barretto.nyc

Bridgette Blair

Bridgette Blair has over 20 years of experience crafting communications and thinking strategically for communities in three sectors: journalism, nonprofits, and city government. As a consultant, she has worked with nonprofits to help them develop strong, clear messages as they seek funding, served as an interim administrator of a grants program, and has developed and edited publications that serve the nonprofit community. At NYC Service, in the Office of the Mayor, she supervised and coached a results-oriented staff to successfully operate the 100-person NYC Civic Corps AmeriCorps program and the 20-person NYC VISTA program. In her role as AmeriCorps and Volunteer Management Program Director, Bridgette administered a $1.2 million annual federal grant and about $100,000 in private annual grants. Bridgette also was the Editorial and Art Director at Public Citizen, a nonprofit advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Public Administration from the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University.

For more information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgetteb/

Melissa D. Elliott

Melissa Elliott is the founder and CEO of Be Agape Family Therapy & Coaching, a certified MWBE that provides psychotherapy for perinatal and postnatal mood disorders, couples and family therapy, and clinical supervision. She serves as an adjunct professor at NYU and offers trauma-informed consulting and coaching to BIPOC professionals and organizations through a DEIB lens. Nationally recognized for her facilitation of equity retreats and board trainings, Melissa supports clients in reclaiming voice, choice, and agency in professional and personal spaces. Her practice is grounded in five core values that foster authenticity, transformation, and growth.

She holds an MSW from NYU, a BA in Psychology from CUNY-Baruch, and certified professional coach from leadership that works, Fordham University, and Hunter College. Melissa is currently pursuing a doctorate in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

For more information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-d-elliott-lcsw-r-cpc-sifi/

Jessica Jackson

Jessica Jackson is the CEO and Senior Consultant of J Jackson Consulting, where she brings over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit, education, and government sectors. A certified change management professional and expert in leadership development, Jessica helps organizations navigate complex challenges with inclusive, trauma-informed, and strategic approaches. She leverages deep knowledge of program development, evaluation, and organizational strategy to support clients in building sustainable, equitable solutions. Known for her skilled facilitation and collaborative style, Jessica empowers teams to strengthen their impact and adaptability in demanding environments.

She holds certifications in change management and trauma-informed practice, a BA in Social Work, an MA in Youth and Urban Studies, and is working to complete her Doctorate in Organizational Development and Leadership.

For more information: https://jjacksonconsulting.com

Devon C. Lawrence

Devon Lawrence brings over a decade of experience working with domestic and international nonprofits to strengthen development operations, fundraising events, project management, and board leadership. As Founder and Principal of Clark Lawrence Consulting, Inc., she helps organizations build strong fundraising infrastructure and achieve their goals with greater efficiency. Known for her deep understanding of nonprofit dynamics and her practical, strategic guidance, Devon is a trusted partner to organizations seeking growth. Her recent two-year experience in Singapore working with international nonprofits broadened her perspective on global best practices. This cross-cultural insight allowed her to share U.S.-based strategies while learning from Southeast Asian approaches, enriching her work with a diverse, global lens.

Devon currently serves on the Board of Bowery Residents’ Committee (BRC), where she is the Chair of both the Development Committee and Governance Committee. She attended Trinity College in Hartford, CT with a B.A. in Art History and minor in Italian Studies.

For more information: https://www.clarklawrenceconsulting.com

Lakimja Mattocks

Lakimja Mattocks is the Chief People and Culture Officer at LEAP and the founder of a boutique consultancy that partners with senior and emerging leaders to address organizational design, culture, and leadership development. With deep experience in the nonprofit sector, she has collaborated with organizations such as Renew and Redesign Consulting, What’s Next Now, Cause Effective, and Penn Creative Strategies. Lakimja is known for her thoughtful, equity-centered leadership and her expertise in designing and facilitating cohort-based leadership programs. Her work integrates strategic coaching, racial equity practices, and systems thinking to drive inclusive and sustainable change.

She holds an MPA from Baruch College, an MS in Counseling from Long Island University, and a BA in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Temple University, along with multiple professional certifications.

For more information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmattocks/

Laurel Molloy

Laurel Molloy is Founder & Lead Consultant of Innovations Quantified (IQ), a consulting firm that has been helping organizations increase their impact since 1999. IQ provides training and ongoing support on program planning, logic models, outcome measurement, and outcome-based reporting. Clients include local, national and international nonprofits and grantmakers serving a wide variety of missions, including ArtsConnection, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Nonprofit Westchester, Riverkeeper, T. Rowe Price Foundation, and the United Nations International Labour Organization. Laurel is known for her practical approach and her ability to make topics relevant and engaging to her audience. She has published numerous pieces, including the widely utilized instructional guidebook, Finally – Outcome Measurement Strategies Anyone Can Understand.

Laurel holds an MPA from NYU Wagner and a BA in Sociology and Women’s Studies from Holy Cross. Her awards include the Robert F. Wagner Award for Public Service, the Thomas Imse Award for Dedication to Social Change, and the NYU Alumnae Award for Academic Excellence and Community Service.

For more information: https://innovationsquantified.com

Jina Paik

Jina Paik is Vice President, Learning & Impact for Nonprofit Finance Fund, a national community development financial institution that is a lender, consultant and advocate for the nonprofit sector. Prior to this role, Jina was a senior consultant and head of knowledge management within NFF’s Consulting team, where she worked directly with philanthropies, nonprofits and boards on strategic financial management. Earlier in her career, Jina worked in grantmaking operations at the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Helene Fuld Health Trust, and the TCC Group. Jina currently serves on the board of DanceNYC and the Association of Nonprofit Specialists, has received the NYC Human Services Council’s Next Generation Leader and has contributed to publications such the Nonprofit Quarterly, Crain’s New York, New York Nonprofit Press, and Nonprofit Finance Fund’s Social Currency blog. Jina holds a Master of Science in urban policy analysis and management from the Milano School of International Affairs, Management, and Urban Policy at The New School, and a Bachelor in Fine Arts from Carnegie Mellon University. She lives in Long Island with her family, two dogs, and eight guitars.

For more information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jina-paik/

Tonia Papke

Tonia Papke is a seasoned nonprofit finance leader who has served as CFO for more than two dozen organizations across the New York metro area. With over 30 years of experience, she specializes in building strong internal controls, implementing accounting and financial reporting systems, and developing investment policy statements for domestic and international nonprofits. A Certified Financial Planner®, Tonia also advises on investment management and retirement planning. She frequently leads workshops on budgeting, audits, strategic planning, and financial leadership, and is widely recognized for her practical expertise and commitment to nonprofit excellence.

She holds an MBA from Columbia Business School, an MS in Urban Planning from Columbia University, and a BA from Macalester College.

For more information: https://www.mdiconsult.com

Andrea J. Rogers

Andrea J. Rogers is CEO & Principal Consultant at AJR Global Consulting LLC. She has over 25 years of USA and global experience with community-based organizations, nonprofits/NGOs, and philanthropies. Andrea, as an organizational development consultant and coach, has worked with 100s of clients in areas that include strategic planning, board development, culture change, leadership development, and executive coaching. She is energized by working with purpose-driven people, leading mission-driven organizations that are not satisfied with injustice or the status-quo. As an executive coach, she supports leaders to align their work with individual purpose. Andrea co-authored The Hidden Cost of DEI Work – And What to Do About It (Nonprofit Quarterly, August 2021). She’s led organizational US-based work as DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging) practice lead for social justice organizations with Community Resource Exchange for more than 8 years.

She holds a Master’s in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh and a B.S. in Foreign Service from Georgetown University. Andrea is an ICF-certified executive coach and has worked with organizations including AJWS, UNAOC, USAID, and the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation-USA.

For more information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajrogers/

Ben Roman

Ben Roman is the Creative Director at Float Communications, where he leads website design, social media strategy, online marketing, and content development projects. He partners with nonprofits and small businesses to craft compelling digital communications, helping each client identify and implement the tools best suited to amplify their message and reach their audience. With a thoughtful, collaborative approach, Ben translates ideas into clear, engaging, and visually impactful content across platforms.

He holds a BA from Emory University.

For more information: https://floatcommunications.com

Steven Schack

Steven Schack is the Director of Clear Blue Associates (CBA), where he provides consulting, coaching, and leadership development services to nonprofit organizations. With over 20 years of experience, Steven specializes in capacity building and strategic planning across sectors such as social services, arts & culture, and education. Previously, he worked at Ernst & Young and Capgemini, partnering with executives on strategic visioning, business transformation, process improvement, and change management. Steven combines his strong consulting background with a passion for helping nonprofits strengthen their impact and organizational resilience.

He holds an MBA from George Washington University, a BA in Business from Rutgers University, and a Leadership Coaching Certification from Georgetown University. Steven is also a Founding Member and Certified Lifecycle Capacity Consultant with the Nonprofit Lifecycles Institute.

For more information: https://www.clearblueassociates.com

Jaime M. Williams

Jaime M. Williams is an independent communications consultant with deep expertise in the nonprofit sector. She specializes in guiding organizations through communications planning and message development processes, consulting across issue areas including health and mental health, housing insecurity, aging services, child welfare, youth leadership, and more. Jaime is committed to supporting the nonprofit sector in NYC and beyond, and was a member of Nonprofit New York’s Nonprofit Excellence Awards Selection Committee from 2018-2021. Before finding nonprofit communications, she began her career as a newspaper reporter in the Bronx.

Jaime received a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri.

For more information: https://www.jaimemwilliams.com