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I’ve spent decades learning how systems work—and how they might work better.

I bring a no-nonsense focused approach, infused with empathy and perspective, informed by listening and learning over three career phases.

Public Policy & Health Advocacy

Most notably first at the Clinton White House, working on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. There I learned that public health is about more than medicine—it’s about systems, strategy, and advocacy. I led the Council through the transition to the Bush Administration. Later I both founded and led public policy programs for two national health nonprofits in Washington, DC.

Global Health & UN Leadership and the Power of Collaboration

I worked 9 years with the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, shaping global health policy, strategy, and communications from duty stations in Johannesburg, South Africa; Geneva, Switzerland; and Washington, DC. At UNAIDS, I honed my ability to convene and listen to all points of view and to build cross-sector partnerships that drive impact at scale.

Executive Leadership & Nonprofit Innovation

In 2019, I founded and led the Adira Foundation, a U.S. national nonprofit addressing service gaps across neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, MS, and Parkinson’s. Inspired by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, & Malaria, I developed a novel, patient-centered grant making model. Under my leadership, we secured $6 million in funding and awarded 26 grants, reaching tens of thousands of people in need.

View My Gallery telling one key story:

The Adira Foundation — in images

Tour my Gallery for how I approached building an inventive, aspirational approach to respond the emerging public health crisis of neurodegenerative diseases.

Inspired by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB & Malaria and other bold, successful campaigns, Adira was, in essence, to be The Fund for ALS, Alzheimer’s and related dementias, Huntington’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s Disease.

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Proven Results in Concrete Ways

International diplomats and officials seated at a conference, with nameplates indicating countries such as Argentina, Antigua and Barbuda, Andorra, and Costa Rica, in a wood-paneled room.
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United Nations & Multilateral Partnerships

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Advocacy at Federal, State & Local Levels

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Team Building

Fundraising Events

Contact me

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