Wendi Yen Huestis

Wendi draws on extensive experience partnering with nonprofits, fiscal sponsorships, public and private companies, in bold strategic decisions in verticals such as finance, technology, NGOs, consulting, start-ups and government agencies. Wendi works to (a) collaborate with senior leaders, Board and Advisory members to (i) create strategic plans, (ii) produce annual plans and operating budgets, (iii) strengthen relationships with corporate, foundation, and major investors, (b) formalize business development, marketing, and operations processes with budgets from $5M-$250M (c) align organization business efforts with corporate Environmental Social Governance (ESG) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals, and (d) align organization vision with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

She has led teams from 5-80 people in business development, change management, marketing, communications, organization transformation, human capital, and operational support. Her efforts have led to philanthropic investments in initiatives including technological advancements, health disparities; education; gender equality; finding homes and jobs for refugees, women and children; advocating for racial equity and human rights. In addition to nonprofits, she has worked in the social impact, Small Medium Enterprise (SME), Small Growing Business (SGB), Micro Finance (MFI), and impact investing sectors.

Using her ability to connect with stakeholders across organization levels, she works to enhance organization structures and strategy to improve the lives of the world’s most vulnerable populations. She has presented on over 50 panels, media spotlights, webinars, and events about corporate and individual social responsibility; financial and social capital; education, housing and employment for all; gender and racial equality; and de-stigmatizing mental illness. 

Wendi graduated from Cornell as a Cornell National Scholar (top 2%), received her health certification at Columbia University, and her MBA at Cornell’s Johnson School, where she was elected Class President, the student deputy for the Advisory Council, and founded the Women’s Executive Leadership Board. She is a member of the American College of Musicians, having started teaching piano at age 12 and is a volunteer music teacher to students with learning disabilities. She is a member of the Technology Enterprise Network that supports individuals through the racially equitable use of technology, and was a co-founder of S.A.M., which provided medical supplies to pediatric hospitals in Bolivia.