Three new staff members join us in April to expand our community outreach and further grow our effectiveness.
Alli Naithani rejoins the Foundation after working as our director of organizational effectiveness and talent development from 2017 to 2022. Now, as our director of people and culture, she’ll tap into her HR expertise and experience with the Foundation to support and develop the talent of our team members while fostering a values-driven culture for the organization.
Because we’ve been funding at double our normal levels last year and this year, we’ve hired two new program officers—one to replace a program officer who left to pursue other opportunities and and an additional one to help us reach out to more nonprofits, whether ongoing or new grantee partners.
Maya Beecham and Melissa Rudnick join our program team as primary relationship holders with our grantee partners. As program officers, their work touches every aspect of the Foundation’s grantmaking efforts: day-to-day operations, networking and outreach, and broader strategy development. They seek, recommend, and manage grantmaking that aligns with the Foundation’s mission, supporting work that leads to racial, social, and economic justice.
Alli Naithani
In addition to the Foundation, Alli has worked in organizations ranging from education to health care to consulting. During her 20+ years in HR, her roles have been diverse: HR director, business partner, learning and development manager, and HR management instructor.
“I’m excited to return to the Foundation and be part of purpose-driven work that creates direct, meaningful impact. I hope to be a steady, calming presence and create space for clear thinking and collaboration, even in challenging moments.”
Alli Naithani
Director of People and Culture, NWAF
Maya Beecham
A seasoned professional who has worked with foundations, nonprofit organizations, and state government for more than 25 years, Maya focuses on partnering with community members and stakeholders to address injustice. Most recently, she was program director of economic ecosystem for The Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation, which works in partnership with the Minneapolis Foundation to support community opportunities in North Minneapolis.
“I have a passion for connecting communities to resources, collaborating, and building partnerships. I plan to use that passion for building on and developing new partnerships with communities throughout the Foundation’s region.”
Maya Beecham
Program Officer, NWAF
Melissa Rudnick
With over 20 years of experience as a community organizer, facilitator, and philanthropic leader, Melissa’s focus is ensuring that communities have the tools, resources, and support needed to fight for justice and social change. She most recently held positions as a program officer for the Piper Fund and as director of program and grantmaking for Headwaters Foundation for Justice, expanding grantmaking at both organizations.
“Throughout my career—whether as a community organizer, facilitator, or funder—my North Star has been my commitment to partnering with communities and leaders to change unjust systems and create new ones. I’m thrilled to learn from and partner with the communities the Foundation serves.”
