Alexandra Smith

Alexandra Hughes Smith (also known as Alexandra Hughes Browne) is a partner at The Bridgespan Group's New York office.1 She has been with the organization since 2011 and has made significant contributions in various areas of philanthropic and nonprofit work.1

Professional Experience

Alexandra's work at Bridgespan has focused on several key areas:

• Philanthropic initiative design and grantmaking strategies
• Sourcing and diligence
• Nonprofit stability and growth strategies
• Project implementation

Her areas of expertise include global development, with an emphasis on gender and equity-related issues, as well as health equity.1 She has worked across various domains, including education, youth employment, child welfare, and human services.1

Notable Projects and Clients

Alexandra has collaborated with a diverse range of clients, including:

• Nonprofits
• Institutional funders
• Individual philanthropies

Some of her notable clients include:

• Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation
• Health Forward Foundation
• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
• Atlantic Philanthropies
• Rare
• National Academy Foundation1

Global Experience

Alexandra has worked closely with Bridgespan's Mumbai and Johannesburg offices. In 2020, she pioneered a role in Bridgespan's Asia and Africa Business Unit to refine the organization's global strategy and operations.1

Publications

Recently, Alexandra co-authored an article titled "Want to Fund in the Global South? Philanthropic Collaboratives Can Help" (Bridgespan.org, 2024).1

Education

Alexandra graduated with a BA with Honors in English and Government from Georgetown University.1

Previous Experience

Before joining Bridgespan, Alexandra gained experience working at various NGOs, including Women for Women International and Doctors Without Borders.1 She also completed a fellowship in Nairobi as the Program Design Fellow at Spire Education, a social enterprise focused on bridging the regional education-to-employment gap.1