Ellie is a multifaceted professional with a diverse background spanning the nonprofit, fine art, communications, and education sectors. Notably, as the Executive Director of DESIGNxRI, she oversaw substantial growth and transformation, expanding the budget, diversifying fundraising sources, and enhancing existing programs. Her commitment to driving equity and inclusion is evident through her improvements in internal training, documentation, and community involvement. Earlier experiences as the Director of Development and Operations at the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island showcased her adeptness in grant writing, relationship building, marketing, and event planning, leading to remarkable achievements like developing Rhode Island’s inaugural Women’s Well-Being Index and significant budgetary growth.
In addition to these roles, Ellie heads POPsicle Consulting, where she has been pivotal in tailoring content and campaigns for diverse audiences. Her extensive 25-year tenure as a fine -art photographer and 17 years as a teaching artist has seen international exhibitions, accolades, and teaching engagements at prestigious institutions, including Rowan University, Ithaca College, Temple University, Moore College of Art, University of the Arts, and University of Ulsan in South Korea. Ellie’s unique amalgamation of experiences across various industries reflects the abundant knowledge and enthusiasm she brings to every project and role.
“I’m thrilled to join the stellar BII team as the first Development Director. The work BII does is thoughtful and profound in the systems change work it does. This and the deep commitment to equity issues is what drew me to the organization. I’m excited to bring my decades of experience in grant writing, network connecting, and building community relationships to this role.”
We are confident that Ellie’s extensive experience, passion for our mission, and innovative approach will play a crucial role in driving our organization to new heights.