We are led by a team with a combined 50+ years of experience in nonprofit management, startups, philanthropy, and impact investing.
Our Team
Meet The Staff
Matt Eldridge brings 30+ years of experience in launching, leading and scaling for-profit and nonprofit ventures. Previously, Matt served as CEO at Oikocredit US, an affiliate of Oikocredit International, a €1 billion+ cooperative that makes impact investments in Latin America, Africa and Asia. Prior roles include 8 years of interim nonprofit leadership and 10 years as co-founder of a government transparency startup. He holds a MBA from Yale, MA from the University of Cape Town, and BA with Honors from Stanford.
Piper Bonacquist brings a decade of nonprofit experience to the team, specializing in operations, program management, and governance. Prior to Realize Impact, she served as Co-Founder and Director of Operations and Training at Colorado Doula Project.
Luni Libes is our Managing Director and Board Treasurer, a serial entrepreneur, author, podcaster, mentor, advisor, impact investor, and fund manager. Elsewhere Luni is the founder of Fledge, a global network of impact accelerators, and CEO of Africa Eats, a pan-Africa investment holding company.
Dominique is passionate about helping startups and small to mid-sized organizations thrive by simplifying financial, HR, and operational challenges. With 20+ years of experience in accounting, financial strategy, and business operations, she loves finding practical solutions that allow founders and teams to focus on their mission and make a meaningful impact.
Katy Sheridan brings nearly a decade of experience in social impact across international programs, monitoring and evaluation, and impact investing. Prior to joining Realize Impact, she worked with the Sorenson Impact Institute, Collective Climate Justice Fund, and Ownership Capital Lab. Katy has a master’s degree from UC Berkeley and a BA from the University of Virginia.
Tara brings professional experience in wealth management, election research, and data-driven risk analysis. Most recently, she served as Risk Analyst – Underwriting at Sompo International. Tara earned a BA in Economics and a BA in Political Science from Tufts University. She is passionate about impact investing and redirecting capital to combat climate change and drive positive social impact.
Veronica brings experience in program management and operations, supporting donor-funded projects across Central America and Africa. Prior to Realize Impact, Veronica worked at DAI Global and Creative Associates International, managing complex, multi-million dollar initiatives. She earned a BA at American University, and is passionate about mission-driven work and putting resources in the hands of organizations creating meaningful change.
Allie Kilpatrick is passionate about bringing people together and creating spaces where communities and ideas can thrive. With a decade-plus of experience in project management, operations, and people engagement, she draws on her communication skills to connect teams, streamline initiatives, and spark collaboration that leads to meaningful impact.
Investment Committee
Dean Blackman, Founder and Principal of Forenoon Ventures, LLC, scales and develops startups and small businesses. He advises social impact fund managers and guides institutional and private investors in finding mission-aligned investments. With over 25 years of institutional investment experience, including roles at the Yale Investments Office and The Church Pension Fund, Dean also serves as an Alumni Representative on the Yale School of Management Council on Anti-Racism and Equity (CARE).
Ellen Fish works with over 45 artisan enterprises across 15 countries, assisting with distribution and international sales. This work generates employment for more than 16,000 rural artisans. Artisan collections are showcased through international trade shows and www.SproutEnterprise.net. Additionally, through the R.I.S.E. Artisan Fund, Ellen expands investment in early-stage artisan enterprises, fostering livelihoods in rural communities with limited economic options.
Anya Freedman, a partner at Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP in Los Angeles, advises institutional investors on fiduciary law and governance matters. Drawing on her experience as general counsel to public pension funds, she helps leaders develop top-tier policies and make informed strategic decisions in securities and corporate governance litigation.
Magda Guillen Swanson is passionate about combining catalytic philanthropic capital with innovative impact investments. As a consultant and partner to nonprofits and donor-advised funds, she specializes in DAF product development and financial innovation. Magda previously led new product testing and development at Vanguard Charitable and worked in PE fundraising and sell-side research at Bank of America Merrill Lynch (London and NY). She holds a Bachelor’s in Government from Harvard University and a Masters’ degree from the London School of Economics.
Jim Huston is the Managing Member of JH Climate Ventures, a climate seed and pre-seed investment platform. He is also the co-founder and co-Managing Director of Regenr8, a climate-focused fund affiliated with E8 Angels. Since 2011, Jim has been a co-founder and General Partner with Portland Seed Fund. He began his investment career with Intel Capital during the early days of the internet, where he led 17 investments over nine years.
Suneela Jain, General Counsel at Tides, is committed to advancing shared prosperity and social justice. Suneela previously practiced law at Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton and Gunderson Dettmer, and served as a pro bono attorney at The Nature Conservancy. Her experience includes advising diverse clients—including individuals, nonprofits, small businesses, venture funds, government officials, and public and private companies—on matters spanning corporate governance, securities law, and joint venture partnerships.
Elizabeth Gilbert Kaetzel, Founder and Lead Consultant of Narratur Studio, partners with philanthropic and social finance organizations to further their social and economic equity impact goals. Previously, she held leadership roles at Adasina Social Capital and Confluence Philanthropy. Elizabeth currently serves as a Correspondent at Impact Entrepreneur Magazine and an Investment Committee member for the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA).
Antoinette Klatzky is a facilitator, producer, and philanthropic strategist with a passion for social change through social entrepreneurship. She is VP of Programs and Partnerships at the Eileen Fisher Foundation and Women Together‘s Host, Facilitator, and Co-Producer. Antoinette serves on the boards of the Presencing Institute, Women’s Funding Network, TIDES, and the Westchester Community Foundation. She holds a BA from Bucknell, teaches MIT edX uLab MOOCs, and is a certified yoga instructor.
Ebony Perkins is a dedicated, solution-oriented social entrepreneur whose heartbeat is community investing. As the Managing Director of Capital Strategy at NeighborWorks Capital, she leads its long-term capital strategy and works with investors to help support local communities across the United States. Previously, Ebony served as Director of Impact Investments at United Healthcare and the Vice-President of Investor Relations at Self-Help Credit Union.
Alex Saingchin is a change-maker with 25+ years of experience in racial, social, and environmental justice. His work spans grassroots organizing, impact litigation, and policy advocacy. He has also raised and deployed capital for systemic change in senior roles at East Bay Community Foundation, Common Counsel Foundation, and Justice Funders. Alex co-founded Just Futures PBC to deliver financial solutions for a Just Transition to a regenerative economy.
Eric Shih advises foundations, funds, and intermediaries on integrated capital design and program strategy. He brings over 20 years of experience from impact organizations, social enterprises, and philanthropy. Previously, Eric served as the Director of Aligned Capital at the Amalgamated Foundation. He currently serves on the board of Just Futures PBC.
Board Members
Kurt Davis Jr., a Senior Director at Alvarez & Marsal, advises companies, boards, and creditors on transactions such as debt and equity financings, M&A, and special situations. He brings extensive experience in investment banking and private equity across developed and emerging markets, with prior roles at Houlihan Lokey, Barclays, Cerberus Frontier (previously SGI Frontier), and SPE Capital.
Brian Howe, a self-proclaimed “geeky recovering attorney,” runs his own startup while advising others. As the co-founder and first CEO of Impact Hub Seattle, Brian played a key role in establishing Realize Impact and continues to refine its services.
Paul Huynh has a proven track record of building successful ventures. At Google, YouTube, and DoubleClick, he launched and scaled global commercial teams, demonstrating that strategy and hustle can turn ideas into reality. Today, through his firm WinPact Consulting, Paul partners with founders to grow their ventures by combining sharp strategy, a knack for people, and a whole lot of heart. His focus is not only on business success but also on making a positive impact on the world.
