A Bit More About Me
I am a Certified Wealth Strategist trained to look holistically at wealth aligned with personal values. I’ve worked across sectors and served on all sides of the philanthropic table—from fundraising to fund distribution to wealth strategy to sitting on boards. That perspective helps me see patterns, connect ideas, and hold space and offer guidance that’s practical and nuanced.
I’m based in Oregon and work with individuals and organizations across the country. I’m also a writer, a speaker, and the author of Great Boards Fundraise—a book designed to support nonprofit boards in leading with confidence and integrity.
What’s Next?
You can read the latest blog post at Philanthropy in Focus, or if you’re ready to explore working together head here to get in touch.
Hi there. I’m Elena.
I spent the first decade of my career watching people fall through systemic cracks. I spent my second decade watching people succeed by every external measure, and still feel like something was missing.
Somewhere in between, I realized the same questions were underneath both: What does a life well-lived actually look like? How can I be more impactful in my work?
I founded The Good Philanthropist because I kept meeting capable, big-hearted people who were waiting for someday. Someday to figure out what their success was for, someday to give meaningfully, someday to live more intentionally, someday to tackle that financial to-do list. But someday kept moving, and the gap between their values and their lived experience kept widening.
Legacy isn't something you figure out at the end of your story. It's what you're living right now. Every choice, every priority, every day – you're already writing the story. The work is making sure it's the story you actually want to tell.
I work with individuals and organizations in motion, ready to build lives and strategies grounded in clarity, intention, and authentic impact.
My Approach
Meaning first, mechanics second. We don't start with tax strategies, deep planning documents, or even best practices. We start with what matters to you – your values, your vision, the legacy you want to live. Then we build the roadmap with the right tools and partners.
Collaboration, not prescription. I don't show up with a templated plan. This work is deeply personal and always evolving. We build something together that fits your life, your organization, your actual context.
Clarity over complexity. Good strategy doesn't require jargon or overcomplicated frameworks. I help you sort what matters, make decisions with confidence, and take action that feels aligned.
Whether we're working one-on-one on legacy coaching, designing a philanthropic strategy, building board capacity, or facilitating a strategic retreat, the foundation is always the same: intentionality, authenticity, and the belief that how you live matters as much as what you build.