The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness (FFBWW), a Madison-based organization committed to advancing Black women’s health and eliminating racial health, birth, and economic disparities, has chosen Vera Lewis to be its new Chief Development Officer (CDO) after an extensive national search, the non-profit organization announced on Thursday.
Lewis, who hails from Chicago, assumed her role with the Foundation on Aug. 5 and brings a wealth of experience in marketing, communications, and fund development and a distinguished career in nonprofit, corporate and association leadership spanning over 15 years. In her new role, Lewis will lead and execute the Foundation’s development and fundraising strategies to drive transformative giving and philanthropic partnerships that propel the Foundation’s mission to energize, mobilize and support Black women to transform their health and their lives.
“I’m thrilled to join the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness team and to build on such an incredible mission and legacy of impact,” says Lewis in a statement. “Black women’s health and well-being is crucial to the strength and prosperity of our communities, and I look forward to advancing our commitment and capacity to empower and uplift women and their families now and for generations to come.”
Prior to joining the Foundation, Lewis served as vice president of development and communications at the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) where she was pivotal in shaping growth strategies and cultivating connections with organizations focused on marginalized communities, enhancing fundraising outcomes, and managing key donor relationships.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Vera and her wealth of experience to FFBWW as we continue to grow our impact and our ability to serve our community in all the ways that matter most,” said Lisa Peyton, CEO and president of the Foundation. “Vera’s hire not only completes our executive leadership team, but fills a critical role that is essential to our sustainability for the long haul. Her presence will triple our capacity to expand our fundraising efforts, deepen engagement with existing and new donors, and set us on a powerful course for the foreseeable future.”
