In her role, Carmen Berkley oversees our communications, policy and advocacy, and implementation of our strategy and impact work. She partners with foundation staff, allied funders, grant recipients, and community leaders throughout Washington and beyond. Her role includes developing and leading grantmaking portfolios and ensuring each program area advances the foundation’s aspirations as a racial justice and equity-focused funder serving BIPOC, LGBTQI+, and immigrant communities.   

Carmen has more than 20 years of experience in advocacy, political strategy, grantmaking, movement building, organizational development, communications, and cultural expression. She previously held leadership positions with the AFL-CIO, United States Student Association, and NAACP. As managing director for Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Carmen oversaw a $50 million grants, sponsorships, and advocacy portfolio and led a 50-person team. Most recently, Carmen was chief strategy officer with Dancing Hearts Consulting. 

A founder of BYP100 (Black Youth Project 100), Carmen has deep experience as an activist and an organizer. She sits on several boards, including the National Domestic Workers Alliance, the Sephora Equity Board, and serves as chair for re:power, an organization that trains community organizers, student activists, campaign staff, progressive candidates, and elected officials. Carmen studied communications and rhetorical process, as well as political science and Africana studies at the University of Pittsburgh. Outside of work, she deejays under the moniker, CarmenSpindiego, and has played in a wide variety of venues, from basement clubs to U.S. presidential forums. She enjoys concerts and travel with her husband and family.

Carmen Berkley is our newest vice president of programs
Meet Carmen Berkley