Raël Nelson James comes to LIFT with several years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and grantwriting, having worked previously as a Development Associate with KIPP DC, and she also has extensive experience as a programmatic manager through her work as a Program Director with Operation Understanding and as an Assistant for Leadership Programs with the Institute for Educational Leadership.
As LIFT-DC's Executive Director, Raël is charged with overseeing the operations at two LIFT local sites and developing a vibrant team of staff members and local university student volunteers. She is currently leading the growth of LIFT-DC's programs by managing current partners, attracting new funding sources, working with local universities, expanding LIFT-DC's local visibility and recognition, and serving as an external spokesperson for LIFT in Washington, D.C.
Raël says, "As a native Washingtonian, I am enthusiastic about being part of a team of professionals, students, and community members working together both locally and nationally toward the eradication of poverty and the expansion of opportunity for all."
