Cassandra McKee

Background

About Cassandra McKee

I am a passionate philanthropic leader with a deep commitment to justice, equity, and building an economy that works for everyone. For over two decades, I’ve worked at the intersection of grantmaking, policy, and grassroots advocacy—always focused on moving resources and power to where they’re needed most. A long-time Washingtonian, I care deeply about serving my local community. I currently serve on the boards of CREATE Arts Center and the DC Modern Quilt Guild. In 2021, I launched Wrapped in Love for Justice, a healing justice project to make quilts for social justice leaders. Here are some areas of my expertise: Strategic Grantmaking: I design and manage large-scale philanthropic portfolios that center equity, have clear goals and impact metrics, and strengthen field infrastructure. Team Leadership: I lead cross-functional teams, and have guided programs through periods of growth, transition, and refinement. Policy Advocacy & Program Strategy: I have deep expertise in economic justice, child and family poverty, job quality, and civic engagement; I am skilled in identifying leverage points and aligning resources with impact. Relationship Management: I am a trusted advisor to grantee partners and funders alike; I am experienced in building and maintaining high-trust, high-impact collaborations. Coalition & Ecosystem Building: I am an organizer and mobilizer in networks of grassroots leaders, advocates, and funders, and help these groups move toward shared goals and take action. Organizational Leadership: I am an effective mentor and manager with a commitment to equity and inclusion; hands-on experience with board relations, governance, and internal capacity building.