(she/her/ella)
Co-Founder, Colmena
Owner, Intrinseca Corp

I’m a philanthropy consultant, researcher, and evaluator who partners with nonprofits, philanthropies, and PSOs to drive collective impact and meaningful social change. My work is grounded in deep social justice values, and I draw from critical theories like critical race theory and feminism to guide my approach. I’m passionate about helping organizations align their practices with their values and improve collaboration for stronger community outcomes.

Throughout my career, I’ve focused on strategic learning, helping organizations navigate complex challenges and improve their ability to make a real difference. I believe in the power of collective giving and resource-sharing, and I use this to help create spaces where organizations can work together for a greater purpose.

Beyond my professional work, I’m a proud member of the Latina Giving Circle in San Diego and serve on the boards of Social Venture Partners International and the Women's Funding Network. I’m dedicated to fostering inclusive and equitable environments where everyone has a voice and can contribute to lasting social change.

As a Collective Impact Strategist, I aim to create the conditions where collaboration leads to tangible results, helping to build stronger, more resilient communities.

(she/her)
Member Bee, Colmena
Partner, Team Jeanius

I'm a disability advocate, nonprofit expert, nurse, and the only daughter of a registered nurse and a union leader. I've been an executive director for three small nonprofits, focusing on accessibility, disabled rights and support, and youth empowerment. I've served on the boards of community development corp Dundalk Renaissance; PACT: Helping Children with Special Needs (a division of Kennedy Krieger Institute), and volunteered as a case manager for the Baltimore Abortion Fund.

Currently, I'm the executive director of the Down Syndrome Association of Maryland (DSAmd). During my tenure, revenue has doubled and programs have quadrupled. I sit on three statewide coalitions advocating for people with Down syndrome and their families: Maryland State Special Education Committee, Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Council, and the Ethan Saylor Alliance which reduces stigmas and improves members of law enforcement and other first responders'  interactions with people who have intellectual or other developmental disabilities - I/DD. 

I hold a Master's degree in Nonprofit Management from Notre Dame of Maryland University and have been a licensed practical nurse - LPN - for nearly 20 years. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn and help through my work at Colmena.

(she/they)
Beekeeper/Honey Manager, Colmena
Owner, Cera Studios

I’m a facilitator, designer, and creative nerd with 20+ years experience in social mission organizations, including a decade in philanthropy. I am rooted in solidarity and the perseverance of collective liberation. 

In 2022, I founded Cera Studios to hold my consulting and coaching work focused on the transformative potential of “the organic in between”— the habits, practices, stories, gatherings, infrastructure, governance, organizing models, and systems — of organizations and individuals. 

I’ve led the co-creation of convenings like the CHANGE Philanthropy Unity Summit and the EAT Stockholm Food Forum. I’ve built and cultivated vibrant communities of donors, members, and followers who have activated change by mobilizing resources, weaving networks, and driving campaigns. I have managed brands and stories to shift focus, power, and possibility. I bring creativity and deep values to Operations leadership. And, it all began with a decade as a bilingual investigator supporting clients of groups like the Bronx Defenders, Innocence Project, and CCR.

My current board service at the Yellowhammer Fund, land stewardship efforts, facilitation experiments like Good Talk, embodiment practice with TEI’s the Practice Ground, and creative projects like Alphabet, are grounding parts of my work and life. Born in New England, I have also found home in NYC, Oslo & Birmingham, AL. I’m a commitment to truth, creation, connection, and getting free.

Member Bee, Colmena
Owner, Living Change Consulting 

My work is rooted in the principle of inherent power, guiding individuals and organizations in harnessing their personal agency to initiate positive change within themselves and their communities. As the Founder and Principal Consultant at Living Change Consulting, I create a secure and empowering environment for navigating the challenges and uncertainties of transformation through personalized coaching and consulting services. With extensive experience in racial justice, equity and belonging, grantmaking, research, policy analysis, program evaluation, and leadership development, I am committed to supporting others in tapping into their inherent power and personal agency.

My work spans across various sectors, but my core focus remains consistent: supporting and facilitating meaningful change. I am an accomplished grantmaking strategist and justice-oriented leader, specializing in developing and implementing impactful social change strategies. My domestic and global initiatives have helped advance racial justice and equitable leadership across diverse sectors. I have extensive experience building and managing funder collaboratives, driving strategic philanthropy, and fostering cross-sector partnerships that meet the needs of underserved communities.

My approach is rooted in deep stakeholder engagement, creating learning communities, and developing evaluation tools to measure the impact of leadership programs. I have extensive experience crafting innovative strategies that build networks among transnational leaders, support social justice movements, and drive systemic change. My expertise in guiding organizations through change management processes ensures that equity remains at the forefront of their missions.

I hold a Master of Policy Management from Georgetown University, a Change Management certification from Cornell University, and a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish from St. Olaf College.

Co-Founder, Colmena
Owner, KEWL Consulting, LLC

I'm an Equitable Economic and Community Development leader passionate about helping nonprofits thrive and communities grow. My journey has taken me through a variety of roles, from managing nonprofit organizations to developing and implementing programs that make a tangible impact. I've got a knack for strategic planning and organizational restructuring, ensuring that the organizations I work with are not just surviving, but truly thriving.

In my various roles, I was able to increase the organizational budget by nearly 40% and expand our programming to tackle pressing community concerns like public safety and sanitation. These efforts led to a decrease in crime, an increase in civic education, and more opportunities for community participation—something I’m particularly proud of. I managed the Baltimore Main Street program and built partnerships that funneled investment into low to moderate-income communities. I also developed a neighborhood engagement tracking system that’s still in use today.

My experience as a fellow of the Daniel Rose Center for Public Leadership in Equitable Economic Development allowed me to collaborate with cities across the U.S. on innovative strategies for land use, workforce development, and more.

My other passion lies in supporting small food and hospitality businesses. I’m Level 2 certified in wine and spirits and help small restaurants develop their bar programs. It’s all about fostering growth—whether in a community, a nonprofit organization, or a local bar.

(she/her/ella)
Executive Assistant to Colmena Co-Founders Adriana & Melissa

As a first-generation Latina, I am a nonprofit practitioner in San Diego. At Colema Consulting, my role is the Executive Assistant to Co-Founders, Adriana Loson-Ceballos and Melissa Sines. I assist in all administrative and other analytical support to the leadership team. 

I have extensive background working in the government, private and nonprofit sectors. My passion for the nonprofit sector comes from working with elementary school students and the low-income housing communities throughout my professional career at MAAC and the Y. Both these experiences helped me gain insight into the beauty and complexity of the nonprofit sector; and what I could do to help to better support my community. At the International Community Foundation (ICF), where I currently work, I oversee the HR, accounts payable and administration. ICF specializes in international grantmaking and mobilizing resources to the equivalent of a nonprofit organization throughout Mexico and Latin America. My professional interests include continuing to grow and learn about equitable grantmaking, research and design methods within the nonprofit and academic fields. My personal interests include: baking, painting and spending time with loved ones.

(she/her)
Co-Founder, Colmena
Owner, Jeanius Lab, LLC

I am a network and organizational strategist, capacity builder,  learning design specialist, and technologist on a mission to re-engineer the philanthropic,  nonprofit, and public sectors through my consulting and to align my business and livelihood with the solidarity economy. 

I have extensive experience holding space for developing emergent and adaptive structures, strategies, practices, and tools for the leaders that are courageously working to shift power and resources to the global majority. I work with partner organizations and networks to support collaborative “big thinking” efforts with multiple stakeholders and solutions within a complex system. I am an organizer at heart, helping to organize networks and people around equitable strategy, operations, learning, and technology.

I am also the owner of Jeanius Lab, LLC, a strategic consulting firm offering services through the collective at Colmena and serve as a volunteer on several local grantmaking and nonprofit committees.

Member Bee, Colmena
Owner, MQ360 Consulting, LLC

As Founder and Principal Consultant at MQ360 Consulting, I offer my partners a comprehensive suite of financial, accounting, and project management services. My approach, anchored in systematic and continuous evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven decision making, seamlessly integrates into every phase of a project’s life cycle, ensuring a dynamic and iterative process from initiation to closure.

A key aspect of my expertise lies in 20 years of proven financial forecasting experience. Forecasting complements the budget monitoring process by providing ongoing insights, ensuring that financial plans remain aligned with actual performance so that adjustments are made proactively. My proficiency in forecasting has enabled leaders to anticipate financial trends, allocate resources more efficiently, make informed strategic decisions, and exceed their financial targets.

Before focusing on the nonprofit sector, I provided financial services to the private sector, primarily in real estate and facilities management. Additionally, I co-founded a successful retail manufacturing business, operating throughout the competitive and selective NYC Holiday Markets for over a decade.

I served on the board of directors for APICHA Community Health Center, actively supporting its mission to deliver comprehensive healthcare services with a focus on underserved and marginalized communities. I have a passion for dance and meditative practices, consider myself deeply reflective,  and reside in Brooklyn, NY with my husband and my  beloved spoiled beagle, Bandit.

Member Bee, Colmena
Owner, My Seed of Change, LLC

I am a career nonprofit professional with over 10 years of experience in program and organizational development. I bring an intersectional perspective to my work, informed by my lived experience as a Black queer woman who navigated systems of support as a runaway youth. 

In 2017, I was honored to receive one of the six Voqal Fellowships for early-stage social entrepreneurs, and I founded My Seed of Change LLC, a consulting firm that supports small, community-led nonprofits working in the social justice space. My professional journey includes leadership roles at CHANGE Philanthropy, Foundation Center (now Candid), and several NYC-based human services and workforce development organizations. I also served on the Board of Directors of the Hetrick Martin Institute: New York from 2009 to 2014, was a founding board member of the Hetrick Martin Institute: New Jersey, and chaired the Advisory Board of the Peter Cicchino Youth Project. 

I hold a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from CUNY York College and earned my Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree through the Executive Program at the CUNY Baruch College School of Public Affairs.