Danielle LeBlanc Appointed Program Officer, Inclusive Economies at the Surdna Foundation 

The Surdna Foundation today announced the appointment of Danielle LeBlanc as Program Officer, Inclusive Economies, starting September 2023.  

Danielle will manage a $10 million grant portfolio that advances the Foundation’s social justice mission with a focus on supporting the creation of an inclusive and equitable economy in which people of color can maximize their potential as leaders, creators, and innovators across sectors.  

With a commitment to financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and community development, Danielle will guide Surdna’s grantmaking to build wealth for communities of color nationwide, expand access to good jobs, and promote full participation in the economy for all. She will also focus on collaboration across grantmaking programs, Surdna’s impact investing program, and partners and peers. 

Previously, Danielle served as Coop Development Director at Green Worker Cooperatives, where she advised and trained worker-owned cooperative businesses through the start-up process. Danielle also managed fundraising and projects for the microfinance nonprofit Grameen America, piloting a youth financial education program and conducting a feasibility assessment for starting a community development credit union. Earlier in her career, Danielle worked as a program officer with LISC, providing capital loans to nonprofit organizations, and as an associate program officer with Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone.   

“I am delighted to join this great group of colleagues who center justice, equity, inclusion, and respect in their work,” said Danielle LeBlanc, program officer, Inclusive Economies. “Surdna’s Inclusive Economies strategy resonates deeply with me, and I look forward to working with the team and our partners to forge an economy for all.”  

“Danielle’s experience innovating strategies for economic access and worker power aligns with our belief in an economy that works for everyone,” said Patrice R. Green, vice president of programs. “For years, she’s worked to ensure businesses of color have what they need to thrive, and we’re excited to see her bring that commitment into the fold of our work.” 

“Danielle brings tremendous on-the-ground chops and understanding to the Inclusive Economies strategy,” said Don Chen, president. “She is jumping into this role with both feet, and I’m eager for our grantees to get to know and collaborate with her.”  

Learn more about Danielle’s work.