Nonprofit advisor, consultant, and speaker
Traci Lester is a dynamic nonprofit executive who works to promote accessibility and equity across all sectors of society.
About Traci Lester
Traci Lester has three decades of expertise in organizational development, strategic planning, philanthropy, fundraising, and partnership building. She is committed to identifying solutions that increase access, and ensure equity, across all sectors of society. Over her career, she has held several executive leadership positions, including as Executive Director of The Center for Fiction, National Dance Institute, and Reach Out and Read of Greater New York. She is also on the faculty of The Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College.
Traci serves on several boards dedicated to improving the lives of children and families, including The New York City Arts in Education Roundtable, the Education Committee of The New York Philharmonic, Black Agency Executives of New York, and the Advisory Board of San Francisco State University's Master of Public Administration Program.
Select Awards & Honors
Manhattan Borough President Cultural Leader Award
The Grio's 100 Educational Leader Award
American Association of University Women, Selected Professions Fellow
Pi Alpha Alpha, The Global Honor Society for Public Affairs & Administration
The San Francisco Foundation, Urban Affairs Fellow
Education
MPA, California State University
MBA, Rutgers University
Certificate, Columbia Business School, Senior Leadership Program in Nonprofit Management
BSFS, Georgetown University, School of Foreign Service
Advisor & Consultant
Traci supports nonprofits in business development and strategic planning. With more than three decades of experience, she advises organizations on best practices for a healthy workplace and a thriving community.
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Program Consultant
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Capacity Building Consultant
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Mentor & Panelist
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Consultant
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Board of Directors
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Committee Member
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Advisor
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Cohort Member & Advisor
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Cohort Member & Advisor
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Faculty & Advisor
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Consultant
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Consultant
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NJ State Council on the Arts, Grant Panel Reviewer
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Advisory Council
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Board of Directors
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Advisory Council
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Board of Directors
Speaker & Media
Traci has presented innovative ideas on leadership, nonprofit management, strategic initiatives, equity, sustainability, and social impact.
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Guest Interview
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Speaker
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Grant Panel Reviewer
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Panelist & Speaker
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Panelist
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Alumni News Stories
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Moderator
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Panel Moderator
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Panelist
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Panelist
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Interview
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Panel Moderator
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Author
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Featured Guest
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Guest Interview
Work with Traci
As a consultant to executive directors and institutions, Traci supports nonprofit organizations and leaders in developing strategic plans and launching new programs, funders in deepening their support of individual institutions, and nonprofit entrepreneurs in business development and start-up operations.
To work with Traci on an advising, consulting, speaking, or media engagements, please complete the form.