2024 40 Under 40 Winners

Colleen's impressive career in healthcare philanthropy spans over 15 years, marked by her current pivotal role as Philanthropy Director at Inova Health Foundation. Leading the charge for Inova's ambitious $300 million campaign, Colleen's strategic prowess and dedication have significantly boosted fundraising efforts, including a remarkable $2.4 million raised in 2023 alone. Her achievements extend to impactful initiatives like securing major gifts for Inova's Trauma and Behavioral Health programs, as well as spearheading innovative nursing scholarships and programs. Recognized as a 40 Under 40 recipient by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, Colleen's leadership and community engagement exemplify her commitment to enhancing healthcare services and philanthropy in the Greater DC area.

I discovered healthcare philanthropy unexpectedly—I minored in Spanish in college and was hoping to use it at my first job. I was hired as a development assistant at a medical clinic in Washington, DC, that served primarily Guatemalan and Salvadoran immigrant families, and one of my responsibilities was to interview the patients for the donor newsletter. I enjoyed learning firsthand the impact philanthropy had on the patients’ lives and their families. From there it was off to the races, and I have been in healthcare philanthropy since that first role.

I love that healthcare philanthropy allows me to combine relationship building with the tactical side of donor moves management and campaign strategy. I find it very satisfying that there are always new ways to build my portfolio, engage the clinical team, and cultivate prospects. It’s an honor and privilege to support the community directly through my role and see the tangible impact philanthropy makes at every level.

A pivotal moment in my career is when I transitioned from a healthcare nonprofit to a hospital foundation. I enjoyed the new level of complexity in working with the clinical healthcare team, learning grateful patient strategy, and being part of a capital campaign. It was and continues to be incredibly rewarding to see how philanthropy makes patients’ lives just a little bit easier during their most vulnerable and fragile moments.

My greatest passion is my family. I am a proud mom to a baby boy, a loving Corgi, and an energetic rescue pup. They are a constant, joyful reminder of what is most valuable in life.

Have confidence to ask questions and provide your recommendations on strategy and process. New perspectives and fresh ideas are valuable to driving a mission forward and making an organization its strongest.