The Link
January 2025
We hope this note finds you well and thriving. As we embark on another year of inspired engagement with the Boston non-profit community, we are thrilled to announce some exciting changes in our leadership at The Philanthropy Connection.
Meet Our New Co-President: Valerie Godhwani
We are delighted to introduce Valerie Godhwani, the newly appointed Co-President of The Philanthropy Connection. Valerie brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role, with an exceptional background in marketing and brand management and a history of dedicated and impactful non-profit work in Boston.
“I am excited and honored to step into the role of co-president, continuing the incredible work of the inspiring leaders before me—Kelsea, Leslie, Bridget, Barbara, Susan, and especially our founder, Marla. Their dedication has shaped TPC into the amazing community it is today. I’m also thrilled to partner with my co-president, Jenny, and look forward to all we will accomplish together this year.”
Driven by a deep commitment to the nonprofit sector, Valerie has dedicated her expertise to supporting and leading mission-driven organizations. Through TPC, she has connected with and actively contributes to multiple nonprofits, serving in roles such as mentor and board chair. Valerie also co-founded a nonprofit with her son, Take My Seat, which redistributes unused event tickets to underserved communities. Within TPC, she has served as Marketing and Communications Co-Chair, a grantee liaison, and now as co-president. Valerie holds a B.S. in Engineering from the University of Illinois and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management. She lives with her spouse, three kids, and rescue pup in Brookline, MA.
Valerie will serve as Co-President for a term of two years, and we are confident that her leadership will further elevate our organization’s impact.
Returning Co-President: Jennifer Morrison
We are pleased to share that Jennifer Morrison, our current Co-President, will continue to serve for an additional year, providing stability and continuity in our leadership.
Regarding philanthropy, Jennifer can’t pass up a teachable moment! Through The Philanthropy Connection, she became involved in the foster care system, volunteering as a CASA worker and Special Education Surrogate Parent. A member of TPC since 2015, Jennifer served as co-chair of the Education Committee before becoming co-president.
We look forward to Jennifer’s ongoing impact on TPC and thank her for her continued service.
Welcome, New Board Members!
Joining us on the board, we are excited to welcome Yasmine Anderson, Meghan Higgins, Sarah Kalish, Jacqui Fishman, Jessica Morris, and Samantha Lovewell. These individuals bring diverse skills, experiences, and a shared commitment to our mission.
Continuing Board Members
We are grateful for the dedication and continued service of our 10 returning board members: Lindsey Donovan, Rosemary Driscoll, Leslie Levenson, Clare Rager, Sarah Rahman, Annemieke Rice, Liz Sanchez, May Vaughn, and Penny Weeks. Their ongoing support is instrumental in shaping TPC’s future.
And a special thank you to our outgoing co-president, Kelsea Médard, for her leadership, lasting impact on TPC, and her continuation on the board.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Outgoing Board Members
As we welcome new faces, we also express our deepest gratitude to the outgoing board members, Leigh Chandler, Cathy Konicki, Tatiana Joyce, Bodi Luse, and Sue Meehan, who have dedicated countless hours and unwavering effort to building The Philanthropy Connection into the impactful organization it is today. Your contributions have left an indelible mark, and we are grateful for your lasting legacy.
We look forward to a year of continued collaboration, growth, and meaningful philanthropy under the leadership of Jennifer Morrison, Valerie Godhwani, and our dedicated board members.
Welcome, New Fellows!
The Philanthropy Connection remains deeply committed to fostering the next generation of women philanthropists. To help us achieve this goal, we have invested in yet another year of our Fellowship Program! TPC’s Fellowship Program creates an opportunity for young women motivated to learn about philanthropy and the non-profit landscape in Massachusetts through a structured, formative experience.
We are excited to welcome five new Fellows this year: Helena Berbano, Nicole Hicks, Kristiana Le, KT McAfee, and Julia Ryan.
To further enrich our Fellowship Program, we shifted from a one year to a two year fellowship in 2023. With this change, join us in congratulating our second-year Fellows: Yasmine Anderson, Carol Li, Samantha Lovewell, Medjine Lucien, Georgia McKee, Jessica Nguyen, and Ciyadh Wells.
Ways You Can Get More Involved With TPC!
Join a TPC Committee!
Did you know that TPC is a 100% volunteer-led organization powered by dedicated members like you? Our success depends on the collective effort of members who volunteer their time and skills to help drive our mission. We invite you to join one of our committees, where you can contribute to events, grants, membership, communications, and more. It’s a great way to strengthen your connection with TPC, grow personally and professionally, and make a meaningful impact.
Sign up today and be part of the work that makes TPC thrive!
Part-Time TPC Social Media Manager
In addition to volunteer committee work, the marketing and communications committee currently has a paid position available for a part-time social media manager. If you are interested or would like to learn more about this role, please contact communications@
Upcoming Events
An Evening with Young Man with a Plan
Join us for an inspiring evening on January 29, 2025, as we partner with Young Man with a Plan to support their mission of empowering young men to build brotherhood, make academic and social-emotional gains, and access sustainable futures.
This event will take place at YMWAP’s Hyde Park space. We will bring TPC volunteers together with the program’s young men who have been working hard to develop their personal elevator pitches. During the evening, you’ll help these young men hone their professional skills by practicing introductions, presenting their pitches, and engaging in professional-level conversations.
This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while fostering confidence and growth in the next generation of leaders. Space is limited, and we anticipate high interest—be sure to secure your spot early, as participation is first come, first served!
TPC Social: Brookline
Stop by The Abbey in Brookline on Wednesday, February 12th, any time betwen 5:00-7:00 PM for conversations over appetizers and a beverage while networking with other TPC members.
This event is open to members and future members. (Invite your friends and colleagues!) It is a fantastic way to make new connections, learn about TPC, and engage with our community.
Celebrate Galentine’s Day with Dignity Matters
Join us on February 13, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm, for a special volunteer event with Dignity Matters, which believes all women and girls have the right to live with basic dignity. We will be sorting and packing donated menstrual care products, bras, and underwear for distribution to women and girls in need. Together, we’ll make a tangible impact while celebrating community and connection.
“Then and Now: How Women’s Money Matters Built on the Promise of Budget Buddies”
Join Women’s Money Matters (WMM) on Wednesday, February 5th at 12:30 pm to celebrate the launch of With a Passion, a new book by Budget Buddies Co-Founder Anita Saville. In 2019, Budget Buddies was rebranded as Women’s Money Matters. Saville recounts the origins of Budget Buddies, which she started with Kathy Brough to help women and girls living on low incomes gain the skills and confidence they need to control their financial futures.
In With a Passion, part memoir and part how-to guide, Saville reflects on the organization’s beginnings and shares valuable lessons she and Kathy learned as they worked to inspire others to make a difference in their communities. Fifteen years later, the organization has changed the lives of more than 2,000 women.
The event will feature remarks by Saville, an inspiring story from one of the first program participants and her coach, and an update on recent achievements and plans for the organization from Danielle Piskadlo, Executive Director of Women’s Money Matters. The program will conclude with a Q&A session.