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.
Proven Results in Concrete Ways
United Nations & Multilateral Partnerships
Advocacy at Federal, State & Local Levels
Team Building
Fundraising Events
Contact me
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