Tamara Toles O'Laughlin Appointed New CEO of The New York Women's Foundation

Tamara Toles O'Laughlin Takes the Helm of The New York Women's Foundation

In a significant development for The New York Women's Foundation, Tamara Toles O'Laughlin has been appointed as the new President and CEO. This noteworthy transition comes as the Foundation prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary, marking a pivotal moment for the organization and the communities it serves. O'Laughlin is set to begin her role at the start of the new year, succeeding Ana L. Oliveira, who has successfully led the Foundation for over two decades.

The New York Women's Foundation is known for its commitment to promoting gender, racial, and economic justice. Under O'Laughlin's leadership, the Foundation aims to continue its tradition of backing community-led initiatives that empower women, girls, and gender-expansive individuals. O'Laughlin has built a stellar reputation as an environmental leader and has held various influential positions in philanthropy and nonprofit sectors. Her experience includes serving as the President and CEO of the Environmental Grantmakers Association, which oversees a substantial network of philanthropic funds dedicated to environmental causes.

Co-Chairs of The Foundation's Board of Directors, Mary Baglivo and Tanya Odom, expressed their excitement about O'Laughlin stepping into this pivotal role. They acknowledged Oliveira's extraordinary leadership, reflecting on her dedication to positioning The Foundation as a formidable force in philanthropy. O'Laughlin is viewed as the right leader to navigate the Foundation's next chapter, particularly at this critical juncture in its history.

O'Laughlin’s professional journey includes founding Climate Critical, a global support network addressing burnout in the environmental workforce, and serving as North America Director for 350.org. Her knowledge encompasses diverse advocacy efforts, from environmental health to advancing human rights through philanthropy. She has held advisory roles in several significant initiatives, positioning her as a key player in addressing social and environmental issues.

Her academic background reinforces her expertise, with multiple advanced degrees focused on law, energy, and the environment. O'Laughlin's approach to philanthropy emphasizes collaboration with community leaders, driving results from the ground up. As she stated, “The New York Women's Foundation addresses deeply connected issues shaping people's lives. What happens in your home, neighborhood, and community shapes what is possible in every other part of your life.”

O'Laughlin's vision is to strengthen community ties, ensuring that those investing in philanthropic initiatives truly listen and understand community needs, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment within underrepresented segments.

Reflecting on the leadership transition, Oliveira noted the remarkable growth of The Foundation during her tenure, wherein annual grantmaking surged from $1.7 million to over $10 million. This expansion supported essential areas such as economic justice, health, civic engagement, and, crucially, investments in underfunded movements. Oliveira has always viewed this growth as enabling empowerment rather than just financial backing.

The New York Women's Foundation's impact stretches beyond the boroughs of New York City, influencing philanthropic practices around the globe. Since its inception in 1987, the organization has awarded more than $141 million to over 500 entities advocating for community-rooted progress. The Foundation's commitment to social justice and community empowerment remains steadfast, distinguishing itself as one of the largest women-led grantmaking bodies in the world.

As The New York Women's Foundation embarks on its next chapter under Tamara Toles O'Laughlin’s leadership, the organization is poised for continued evolution and effectiveness, solidifying its role as a champion for systemic change and community leadership in addressing the intricacies of gender and economic justice.