Ruth LaToison Ifill, she/her | President & CEO
As President & CEO, Ruth leverages partnerships and member engagement to begin strategic planning, streamline operations, and align programs to WRAG’s mission of creating a more equitable region.
Ruth comes to WRAG with experience in national and local nonprofits and membership organizations. Most recently, Ruth served as the Vice President of Culture, Talent & Equity at the Council on Foundations, where she developed and implemented programming and training for Council staff and its members to improve organizational culture and operationalize racial equity.
She enjoys hiking with friends, trying new foods, and spending quality time with her husband and two young children
Leni Dworkis, they/them | Director, Programs & Operations
Leni is the Director of Programs and Operations at the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers. In this role, they develop internal strategies, policies, and practices to promote a culture of equity and inclusion in the day-to-day of WRAG. They provide support to staff, board members, fiscally sponsored programs, and other partners to maximize administrative function and optimize operations.
Leni comes to WRAG having worked both in philanthropy and nonprofit spaces. In their most recent role as the program manager at the Weissberg Foundation, they provided people-centered and responsive programmatic support to grantee partners seeking to advance social and racial justice. Through their work they seek to break down binaries, challenge social norms, and dismantle white supremacy.
They hold both their master’s and bachelor’s degrees from The George Washington University in sociology. Outside of work, Leni spends their time reminiscing about rugby, putting on make-up just to take it off, powerlifting, ordering too much take-out, and trying, unsuccessfully, to snuggle their cat Arya.
Sharifa is the Director of Membership and Development at the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers. She brings extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising, data management, and communications, most recently serving as the Development Manager at SMYAL, an LGBTQ+ youth-serving nonprofit.
Sharifa is thrilled she has landed at WRAG and is excited to work with member organizations and sponsors to deepen grantmaking in the region to address racial and economic justice in philanthropy. Sharifa hails from Rockville, MD, and received her Bachelor of Psychology from Yale University.
When not at work, Sharifa can be found playing rugby, being the least flexible person in a yoga class, cooking an elaborate meal, or searching for the best type of French fry.
Zimar Batista, he/him | Associate, Programs
Zimar reports to the Director of Programs and Partnerships and is responsible for supporting the development, design, and facilitation of WRAG programmatic events. In addition, he helps the Director in identifying, cultivating and managing new and possible relationships with communities, organizers, policymakers, nonprofits, and foundations.
An advocate in resolving public policy issues, he holds a bachelor's degree in Economics with a double minor in International Studies & Spanish from the American University School of International Service (SIS). Currently, he is pursuing a master's degree in Public Policy at The George Washington University. Ultimately, Zimar aspires to become a policy analyst one day.
Zimar enjoys exploring new bookstores, attending comedy shows, and hiking in his free time.
Aubrie Odell, they/them | Executive Assistant & Board Liaison
Aubrie is the Executive Assistant & Board Liaison at the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers. In this role, they support the President & CEO in advancing the strategic plan by leading administrative functions, engaging the WRAG board, and developing more seamless opportunities for internal collaboration.
With an extensive background in the nonprofit sector, Aubrie is excited to dive into the world of Philanthropy and push forward racial and economic justice within the DMV region.
Outside of work, they enjoy playing flag football and soccer, annoying their cat Zuko, and cooking meals with friends.
With over 25 years of professional experience in community engagement and community improvement science through implementing strategic, solution-oriented approaches to human capital management, program and project management, and employee workplace needs. She is a detail-oriented, credentialed professional who strives for diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in the workplace and beyond.
Pamela is effective in hands on training while providing motivation on all levels toward the achievement of individual and organizational goals. She is instrumental in cultivating new and bridging community partnerships to help promote and achieve equity across communities and programs.
Prior to working for ARM as a human resources consultant and racial equity, and DEI subject matter expert, she has co-designed organization racial equity tools and DEI training curriculum. Pamela also worked for non-profits, federal and local state government, leading health promotion and prevention programming.
Ms. Edwards holds a Masters in Nonprofit Organization from Case Western Reserve and a Bachelors in Human Resource Management from Cleveland State University. Pamela is a certified integrative yoga therapy instructor. She enjoys self practice and sharing her time and talent, making yoga a more equitable option in underserved communities.
Pamela was instrumental in the co-developing the Racial Equity Learning and Action Community, a group of concerned social justice advocates spanning east to west coast on a journey to dismantle institutional and systemic racism.
Cheryl Carter Hutchings, she/her | Finance Consultant
Cheryl Carter Hutchings, CPA is a business and accounting professional with 20+ years of experience in nonprofit and small business financial management. She is the founder of the boutique CPA firm, CarterHutchings, LLC. The firm offers virtual accounting and business advisory services exclusively to nonprofits.