Let YOUR cause
be OUR cause.

Our team specializes in fundraising and strategic consulting for nonprofits. The approach is simple: your mission is our mission. We bring practical, effective solutions to accelerate the growth of your nonprofit and positively impact the communities you serve.

INGRID ALVARADO

Founder and CEO

Dr. Ingrid Alvarado specializes in educational nonprofits and organizations that support Black and Brown communities. Ingrid has been fundraising for more than 15 years and has a proven track record of securing multi-year, multi-million dollar investments from diversified sources. Her strengths include building relationships, connecting partners with funding opportunities, developing fundraising strategies, leading capital campaigns, building individual major gifts programs, and facilitating solicitation meetings. Prior to founding Acceleraise, Ingrid led strategic planning and development for several renowned universities and nonprofits. She has a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of New Orleans as well an MBA and a BA in Communications from Spring Hill College. Ingrid’s passion is helping develop Black and Brown leaders into becoming confident fundraisers.

PAOLA ANDRADE

Design and Operations Coordinator

Paola spearheads design initiatives at Acceleraise, creating impact reports, websites, pitch decks, and fundraising collateral. Her innovative and creative designs are instrumental in helping partners with marketing pieces that represent them individually. Paola also coordinates central services to ensure that projects are managed well internally and delivered on time. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Filmmaking and a minor in Mass Communication from Loyola University New Orleans. An artist at heart, Paola also finds joy in digital filmmaking, journalism writing, and social media marketing.

MAISOON FILLO

Grant Writer

Maisoon Fillo is a skilled grant writer with three years of experience in securing funding for mission-driven organizations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Hispanic Studies from the College of William and Mary and a master’s degree in Latin American Studies from Tulane University. Her academic background, combined with immersive experiences in Brazil, Argentina, and Peru, has enhanced her research, writing, and cultural understanding. Maisoon excels in crafting persuasive grant proposals, conducting thorough research, and identifying diverse and sustainable funding opportunities. She has successfully secured international grants, multiple federal grants, as well as national and local funding. Her ability to collaborate across teams and communicate complex ideas with clarity ensures that her work supports long-term organizational growth. Committed to racial equity, Maisoon leverages her expertise to help organizations achieve their funding goals and advance their missions in transforming society.

JULES GOINS

Grant Writer

Jules Goins has over twenty years of diverse experience with non-profit organizations. He has performed in a number of capacities, with an emphasis on developing compelling grant proposals that align with organizational values, core strategies and programs as well as funder priorities. A talented writer, Jules is responsible for managing the development of grant proposals from initiation to submission, maintaining strong relationships with donors and preparing timely reports to funders on the utilization of grant funds received. He is a recipient of the 2021 Excellence in Advancement Award. Jules earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from New York University.

CHEYENNE SALUD-GONZALES

Chief of Staff

Cheyenne Salud-Gonzales holds a multifaceted role at Acceleraise. She oversees aspects of operation, communication, and client partnerships. This involves developing and implementing policies and procedures, streamlining workflows, and optimizing resource allocation to enhance organizational efficiency. In addition to day-to-day administrative responsibilities, she leads the Central Services team in developing materials and conducting research that contributes to partner client success. Her strategic approach ensures a seamless integration of operational excellence and effective partner client services. She holds a BS in Psychology and an MBA from the University of New Orleans, where she graduated magna cum laude.

AMELIE LEBRETON

Development Consultant

With over 15 years of experience in philanthropy, Amelie Le Breton is a passionate fundraiser committed to helping change-making nonprofits, especially in her hometown of New Orleans. She has raised over $40 million for a variety of organizations by focusing on sustainable funding solutions, strengthening donor relationships, and building high-performing development teams. As a Development Consultant at Acceleraise, Amelie specializes in crafting tailored development strategies, fostering strong funder relationships, and guiding organizations through the evolving philanthropic landscape. Through collaborative consulting and data-driven fundraising, she empowers nonprofits to achieve long-term growth and transformative change.

MADISON PERRY

Intern

Madison Perry is a dedicated educator and nonprofit development professional passionate about advancing equity in education and the arts. She currently serves as a Development Intern at Acceleraise, supporting fundraising initiatives for mission-driven organizations, while also teaching English Language Arts at Chalmette High School. As a Teach For America Greater New Orleans Corps Member, she is committed to bridging educational gaps and empowering students. Madison is pursuing a Master of Arts in Arts Administration at the University of New Orleans, specializing in nonprofit development and fundraising, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Voice and Opera from Jackson State University. With experience spanning education, development, and the arts, she is focused on driving meaningful impact in nonprofit and academic spaces.

SIMON SPADARO-BLISS

Vice President of Strategy, Learning, and Impact

As Vice President of Strategy, Learning, and Impact, Simon drives strategic growth for Acceleraise by developing scalable organizational structures to support our team and ensure that our partners receive customized, best-in-class development services. Simon's role involves designing and implementing Acceleraise's organizational strategy, fostering an inclusive culture of high performance, and managing a team of external-facing development consultants and an internal operations team. His additional responsibilities include overseeing organizational data strategy and systems, managing organizational and team performance, and leading learning and training design for internal and external audiences. Simon holds an MS in Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies from Florida State University and a BA in Sociology with a minor in Justice Studies from the University of New Hampshire.

SARAH STICKNEY MURPHY

Vice President of Development Consulting

Sarah Stickney Murphy is a proud New Orleans native and the product of pre-Katrina New Orleans public schools. With 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, strategic planning, and community-centric management, Sarah has raised over $50 million in revenue throughout her career.As Vice President of Development Consulting, Sarah manages a high-performing team of consultants, writers, and a prospect researcher. She partners with local and national organizations working to dismantle systems of oppression and build self-determined Black and Brown communities. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Music, Cum Laude, from Loyola University of New Orleans, an MBA with a concentration in artificial intelligence-supported fundraising solutions for social impact organizations, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Justice Studies at the University of New Orleans. Her research focuses on the intersections of race, class, and gender and economic justice within the cultural economy of New Orleans. In addition to her consulting work, Sarah is an adjunct instructor in the Masters of Arts Administration program at the University of New Orleans, where she teaches fundraising methods. She is a certified Google Project Manager and AI Product Manager and holds a Google Analytics Individual Qualification. Sarah lives in New Orleans with her husband, a middle school teacher, their five children, three cats, two turtles, one bearded dragon, and innumerable fish.

RACHEL STICKNEY

Senior Consultant

Rachel Stickney is an adept fundraising professional of nearly fifteen years. She has extensive non-profit experience with a focus on annual giving. Rachel is proud to be a born and raised New Orleanian and eternally grateful for all this city has given her. She got her start in fundraising events at WRBH Reading Radio in New Orleans. Rachel then spent ten years in Annual Giving Operations at Tulane University, helping to manage their direct response program, extensive involvement in digital fundraising, and liaising with partners on a multitude of projects. Her strength lies in building strong relationships both internally and externally. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business with a minor in Communications from Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, Illinois. After four years in the midwest, the cold weather drove her back home after completing her studies. In her free time, Rachel is an active member of the alumnae board of the Academy of the Sacred Heart, has served as Community Council Director of the Junior League of New Orleans, and is a four time Hogs for the Cause Porkpourri champion for her pork inspired desserts.

EMILY WILLIAMS

Prospect Research and Writing Manager

As a seasoned fundraising professional who specializes in prospect research and writing, Emily brings a wealth of experience to the Acceleraise team. Emily conducts in-depth research on potential grant opportunities and analyzes funding priorities and guidelines to ensure alignment with client goals. She has a keen eye for detail and a passion for uncovering valuable insights to aid mission-driven organizations in securing additional funding. Emily holds a BA in history and political science from Louisiana State University. She also holds a MA in history, with a concentration in public history, from the University of New Orleans, where she graduated summa cum laude, and an MBA from Tulane University, with a specialization in finance, where she graduated magna cum laude.

DAMIAN MORDEN-SNIPPER

Content Writer

Damian Morden-Snipper brings a broad range of experience to his grant and content writing role at Acceleraise. He has a talent for conveying complex information clearly and effectively, having communicated with diverse audiences throughout his career. His writing has been featured in prominent publications, including The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and various academic journals. Damian’s professional journey spans policy advocacy, where he served as a lobbyist to Congress at a progressive nonprofit in Washington, D.C., and education, where he worked as a research assistant in educational psychology at Temple University. He also spent four years teaching kindergarten in Philadelphia public schools, gaining firsthand experience in the education sector. He holds a BA in Psychology from Guilford College, graduating with high honors, and an MSEd in Early Elementary Education from the University of Pennsylvania. Damian believes nonprofits are essential in building more just and equitable communities, and he is honored to support inspiring organizations through his work. Since joining Acceleraise in September 2022, Damian has significantly contributed to the company’s success with his research and writing skills. He is based in Seattle, Washington.