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Karissa Lowe
Nature in Neighborhoods Community Grant Program Manager
Professional Background
Karissa Lowe is a dedicated professional with a passion for promoting a culture of learning within her organization and the community. She actively collaborates with staff from various departments to align with the programmatic goals of the Trust while emphasizing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As a key member of the Meyer’s Equity Team since its formation, Karissa has played an instrumental role in operationalizing the Trust's commitment to DEI, overseeing specialized training and learning opportunities for staff. Her role involves ensuring the integrity of the Trust’s application and grant data while conducting specialized data research projects. Additionally, she designs and creates application forms and request for proposals (RFPs), optimizing processes to support a smooth flow in grant management.
Karissa's impact extends beyond her current responsibilities; she supervises the grants manager and the Philanthropy Northwest data fellow, fostering their professional growth and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the organizational goals. Her extensive experience makes her a natural leader and an influential figure in philanthropic environments.
Education and Achievements
An enrolled member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Karissa holds an Ed M in Education and a BA in English from Washington State University Vancouver, alongside an Associate of Arts degree in English from Lower Columbia College. Her educational background equips her with a well-rounded perspective, particularly in organizational development, community organizing, and nonprofit management—the foundations of her impactful career.
In her commitment to leadership development, Karissa became a member of the original 2017 national cohort of the Council on Foundations' Career Pathways program. This prestigious initiative is designed to prepare mid-career professionals from marginalized backgrounds for leadership roles within the philanthropic sector, further affirming her dedication to fostering equity and inclusion.
In addition to her professional roles, Karissa has a storied history of service with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, having served on the Tribal Council for 15 years. Her various roles, including chairman of the board for the Cowlitz Tribe Education and Arts Fund and a member of the Tribe's statewide compact funds distribution board, highlight her commitment to education and arts. Moreover, her involvement in the Tribal Education Committee and the Cowlitz Tribal Gaming Authority further emphasizes her dedication to the advancement and representation of her community.
Community Engagement and Personal Interests
Karissa's dedication to community engagement is remarkable. In her spare time, she fosters a creative and supportive community as the organizer of the monthly belly dance show, Offbeat Belly Dance, where performers have a platform to express their artistry. Additionally, her role as the Master of Ceremonies at the grassroots fundraising event, While Rome Burns, showcases her commitment to social justice. This event raises funds and awareness for nonprofits with a social justice focus in the Portland metro area, further highlighting her passion for effecting change through community involvement.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Karissa has been recognized not only for her professional skills in grants management, organizational development, and strategic planning but also for her strong advocacy for DEI in philanthropy. She is instrumental in shaping initiatives that bring awareness to tribal issues and contribute to the betterment of tribal governments and philanthropic efforts. Through her work, she ensures that the vital voices of marginalized communities are amplified in the process of organizational development and grant management. Karissa Lowe exemplifies what it means to lead with compassion and a commitment to equity and community empowerment.
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