Our Team
Our team members are committed on fostering relationships and creating an environment where Indigenous Philanthropy can grow and thrive.
Lourdes Inga (Quechua)
Lourdes Inga (Quechua)
Lourdes Inga (Quechua) brings over two decades of experience in international philanthropy focused on indigenous rights, gender equality, and social justice. As the Executive Director of International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP), Lourdes leads initiatives to expand Indigenous Philanthropy, support Indigenous-Led Funds, and advocate for increased funding resources for Indigenous Peoples worldwide. With past leadership roles at The Christensen Fund and The Global Fund for Women, She serves on the board of the Equality Fund and is part of the Indigenous Philanthropic Advisory Group, Decolonizing Wealth. She has served on multiple boards and advisory roles.
Chanda Thapa (Magar)
Chanda Thapa (Magar)
Chanda Thapa (Magar) has over 10 years of experience advocating for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and promoting gender equality in Nepal and across Asia. With a solid background in rural development and development studies, Chanda has held a leadership role at the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP), where she played a pivotal role in bolstering the organization’s foundations. Her efforts focused on strengthening its internal structure and cultivating wider Indigenous movements, including the establishment and enhancement of networks dedicated to Indigenous Women and Youth in the Asia region.
April Ingham
April Ingham
April Ingham is a passionate advocate and global leader focused on empowering Indigenous Peoples through rights-based, self-determined processes. With over 30-years’ experience in service to non-profits and Indigenous organizations, she specializes in fundraising, grantmaking, and stakeholder engagement through convening co-learning and networking experiences, conferences, and award-winning engagement programs. April has managed complex international development projects supported by strong partnerships across sectors. She previously served as the International Grants Specialist for Lush Cosmetics (2022-2024) and Executive Director of the Pacific Peoples’ Partnership (2009-2021). She currently serves as a Board Director at Equitas, a leading human rights education organization, and is active at local, national, and global levels mobilizing resources and promoting solidarity for Indigenous peoples and their priorities.
Jazmine Rodriguez
Jazmine Rodriguez
Jazmine Rodriguez is a seasoned professional with over 10 years of operations experience within non-profits and membership associations in Washington, DC. She holds a Master of Science in International Development from Tulane University. Jazmine has a strong background in finance and operations and has worked at organizations such as Rewire News Group, The Immigration Hub, DBIA, and NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
Winnie Kodi (Nuba)
Winnie Kodi (Nuba)
Winnie Kodi (Nuba) brings a wealth of experience and expertise in communications, community development, and capacity building, with a special focus on indigenous women and girls. With a background in Development Communication, she is passionate about advocating for the effective inclusion of women and girls in all processes concerning indigenous communities. As a European Parliament Sakharov and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Indigenous Fellow, Winnie has deepened her knowledge of indigenous peoples and their rights, bolstering her advocacy efforts both locally and internationally.
Leeroy Bilney (Barngala, Kuprun, Wirangu, Kokatha, Mirning and Noongar)
Leeroy Bilney (Barngala, Kuprun, Wirangu, Kokatha, Mirning and Noongar)
is a proud Barngala, Kuprun, Wirangu, Kokatha, Mirning and Noongar person. Leeroy was born in Port Lincoln and lived most of his life in Ceduna, South Australia, on an Aboriginal community ‘Tia Tuckia’. He has spent his working career servicing the community, being involved in many employment sectors, committees, initiatives and projects. He is an experienced professional with a proven track record of working with Indigenous communities and advocating for their voices to be heard. With a background in various leadership roles within Aboriginal health organizations, government agencies, and community development projects, Leeroy brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. In particular, his passion has remained the same in working with community people and alongside them in achieving true capacity building. With a background in performing arts, he takes advantage of the opportunities to share his stories, in advancing others to explore their journey.
Leeroy is currently the Presiding Member for South Australia’s inaugural First Nations Voice to State Parliament and Chairperson of the Spinifex Foundation South Australia, formerly known as the First Nations Philanthropic Working Group. He has held positions as a Director of NACCHO (National Aboriginal Community Controlled health Organisation). He was the former Chairperson of Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation, and previously held a position as a Director on the Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia (AHCSA)”
Anabel Lopez (Mixtec)
Anabel Lopez (Mixtec)
Anabel Lopez (Mixtec) is a professional in community engagement and immigrant rights advocacy, with a special focus on Indigenous migrant populations in the United States and Canada. Her work and research at Portland State University and the University of British Columbia (UBC) have increased understanding of the participation and contributions of Indigenous and undocumented immigrants. Since 2022, Anabel has been part of the IFIP team, where she continues to passionately advocate for the rights of immigrants and Indigenous Peoples.
Alina Saba (Limbu)
Alina Saba (Limbu)
Alina is an Indigenous feminist belonging to the Limbu Indigenous peoples from Eastern hills of Nepal. In the last ten years, she has worked with various social movements such as climate justice, Indigenous peoples movement, human rights, feminist movements and labour rights focused in Nepal, South East Asia and global level. Her engagements with diverse stakeholders has shaped her intersectional perspectives for Indigenous peoples in policy and decision making. Through her work of advocacy and research in climate justice, she has played a key role in bridging the national Indigenous women´s movement of Nepal to regional and global level. She holds a master’s degree in Politics and Public Policy from the University of Sheffield, UK where she was the Chevning Scholar. She is a board member of National Indigenous Women Forum (NWIF), Nepal. Alina believes in the power of Indigenous knowledge system to stop climate crisis.
Spencer Bronson
Spencer Bronson
Spencer Bronson is a dedicated non-profit professional with over a decade of experience in case management, youth development, and land conservation. His career spans roles in Chicago, IL, and Austin, TX, where he focused on fostering positive change and empowering communities. Notably, Spencer worked with Indigenous-led plant medicine conservation organizations, collaborating with Indigenous communities to preserve traditional practices and promote sustainable land stewardship. As a former Operations Manager, Spencer gained valuable expertise in non-profit management, including organizational efficiency, strategic planning, and team leadership. He has a BA in in Latino and Latin American Studies from Northeastern Illinois University and is currently completing a Non-profit Professional Management Certificate from Northwestern University, further strengthening his ability to support impactful initiatives, and drive meaningful, sustainable change.
Yesica Torres (Maya K’iche’)
Yesica Torres (Maya K’iche’)
Yesica Torres (Maya K’iche’) is a seasoned social communicator with over seven years of experience collaborating with NGOs focused on advancing the economic and educational development of Indigenous communities in Guatemala’s highlands. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Communication and, as a Fulbright scholar, earned a Master’s in Communication with a Documentary Emphasis from Northern Arizona University.
Rubie Simonsen (Gaddang)
Rubie Simonsen (Gaddang)
Rubie (Gaddang) is a passionate advocate for Indigenous self-determination and the rights of marginalized peoples globally. With over a decade of experience in community development, program leadership and network building, she has worked on critical issues like food security and Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Rubie’s experience includes global community building, cross-cultural facilitation, and philanthropy. Her work is informed by her background in sociology (B.A. in Sociology, Sac State CSU (2014), deep connection to land-based practices, and commitment to fostering equitable partnerships between Indigenous communities and philanthropic organizations. She is eager to bring her skills, knowledge, and passion to further strengthen IFIP’s membership base, foster deeper connections, and contribute to the continued success of IFIP’s global community.
Annalisa Synnestvedt
Annalisa Synnestvedt
Annalisa Synnestvedt has over 20 years of expertise as a senior finance consultant, specializing in enhancing the internal effectiveness of non-profit organizations to achieve their missions. She holds a Masters in Public Administration from New York University’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, which has helped her guide numerous non-profits to optimize their resources and operations. Formerly serving as the Chief Financial Officer of the Global Fund for Women (GFW), Annalisa led successful initiatives, including overseeing a $19M budget and implementing a $20M capital campaign.
Leah Armstrong (Torres Strait Islander)
Leah Armstrong (Torres Strait Islander)
Leah Armstrong (Torres Strait Islander) is the co-founder and Chairperson of First Australians Capital, where she has revolutionized Indigenous enterprise support through innovative initiatives like spearheading an ambitious Indigenous-led impact investment fund. With over 25 years of expertise in both business and non-profit sectors, Leah has held influential roles including CEO of Reconciliation Australia, Director of Indigenous Business Australia, and Chairperson of Supply Nation and the Aboriginal Housing Office NSW. Additionally, as Chairperson of the First Nations Advisory Group of the Reserve Bank of Australia, Leah continues to drive impactful change in Indigenous economic development.
Sheree Jacobs (Torres Strait Islander)
Sheree Jacobs (Torres Strait Islander)
Sheree Jacobs (Torres Strait Islander) a professional in communications and design, brings over a decade of experience supporting international, national, and regional nonprofits. With a Master’s degree in Communications from Griffith University and certification in Project Management, she is dedicated to advancing the Indigenous movement and mentoring the next generation of Indigenous creatives through Indigenous Design Labs, utilizing her expertise in communications, graphic design, and storytelling to amplify Indigenous voices and perspectives.