Nonprofit advisor, consultant, and speaker.

Traci Lester is a nonprofit executive who supports organizations and executives throughout their lifecycle from startup to sustainability.

 

About Traci Lester

Traci Lester has three decades of expertise in organizational development, strategic planning, philanthropy, fundraising, and partnership building. She is committed to identifying solutions that ensure organizations are sustainable and thriving. Over her career, she has held several executive leadership positions, including as Executive Director of The Center for Fiction, National Dance Institute, and Reach Out and Read of Greater New York. She is also an adjunct faculty member of The Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College of the City University of New York.

Traci serves on several boards dedicated to improving the lives of children and families, including The New York City Arts in Education Roundtable, the Education Committee of The New York Philharmonic, and the Advisory Board of San Francisco State University's Master of Public Administration Program.

Select Awards & Honors

  • Manhattan Borough President Cultural Leader Award

  • The Grio's 100 Educational Leader Award

  • American Association of University Women, Selected Professions Fellow

  • Pi Alpha Alpha, The Global Honor Society for Public Affairs & Administration

  • The San Francisco Foundation, Urban Affairs Fellow

Education

  • EdD, New York University (Exp. 2026)

  • MPA, California State University

  • MBA, Rutgers University

  • BSFS, Georgetown University, School of Foreign Service

  • Certificate, Columbia Business School, Senior Leadership Program in Nonprofit Management

Advisor & Consultant

Traci supports nonprofits in business development and strategic planning. With more than three decades of experience, she advises organizations on best practices for a healthy workplace and a thriving community.

  • Grunin Foundation

    Capacity Building Consultant

  • NYCAIER

    Co-Chair, Board of Directors

  • San Francisco State University

    Advisory Board, School of Public Affairs & Civic Engagement

  • Baruch College

    Adjunct Faculty, Austin W. Marxe School of Public & International Affairs

  • Professional Development Consultant

  • Hawthornden Foundation

    Program Consultant

  • NYU Tisch Mentor & Panelist

    Mentor & Panelist, HEAR US

  • Rutgers University

    Consultant, Institute for Ethical Leadership

  • New York Philharmonic

    Education Committee Member

  • Kenan Collaborative Cohort Member

  • Cohort Member

  • NJ State Council on the Arts, Grant Panel Reviewer

  • Advisory Council

  • BAE

    Board of Directors

  • Advisory Council

  • Board of Directors

Speaker & Media

Traci has presented innovative ideas on leadership, nonprofit management, strategic initiatives, equity, sustainability, and social impact.

  • Speaker

  • Panelist

  • The Arts in Education Roundtable 2022

    Panelist & Speaker

  • Panelist & Mentor

    Speaker

  • Rutgers Business School

    Speaker

  • Art Movez Interview

    Guest Interview

  • Brooklyn Savvy TV

    Panelist

  • Rutgers

    Alumni News Stories

  • CSPAN

    Moderator

  • NYN Media

    Panel Moderator

  • Princeton AlumniCorps

    Panelist

  • Dance NYC

    Panelist

  • Race Forward

    Interview

  • Black Agency Executives, Emerging Leaders Conference

    Panel Moderator

  • Life Hacker Interview

    Author

  • Harlem World Magazine Podcast

    Featured Guest

  • ABC NYC

    Guest Interview

  • Panelist

Work with Traci

As a consultant to executive directors and institutions, Traci supports nonprofit organizations and leaders in developing strategic plans and launching new programs, funders in deepening their support of individual institutions, and nonprofit entrepreneurs in business development and start-up operations.

To work with Traci on an advising, consulting, speaking, or media engagements, please complete the form.