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, Central Services, 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.
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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.
JOAN JUNGBIN LEE
Central Services and Operations Manager
Joan Lee is a dynamic and community-focused individual with a strong operational mindset. As the neurodivergent eldest child of immigrants, Joan gained early insights into the critical need for adaptable and fair educational support. Her dedication to promoting equitable education and fostering accessible opportunities has profoundly influenced both her professional and creative endeavors. Joan enhances the consulting team's impact by leveraging her expertise in development, research, and writing. Her systematic thinking is evident in her role in expanding Acceleraise's CRM capabilities. Joan holds a Bachelor's degree in History and Philosophy from Boston College, where she became the first in her family to graduate from university.
CHEYENNE SALUD-GONZALES
Director of Central Services and Operations
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.
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
Senior Consultant
Sarah Stickney Murphy is a proud New Orleans native with over 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, strategic planning, and community-centric management. She has a proven track record of success, having raised over $50 million in revenue throughout her career. As a Senior Consultant, Sarah partners with local and national organizations that are working to dismantle systems of oppression and build up self-determined Black and Brown communities. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Music, Cum Laude, from Loyola University of New Orleans and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration from the same institution, with a capstone concentration in artificial intelligence supported fundraising solutions for social impact organizations. Sarah is a certified Google Project Manager and AI Product Manager, and she holds a Google Analytics Individual Qualification.
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.