Our Team

Year I joined IP: 2018

What I bring to IP: Working in both the private sector and diplomatic community in Geneva, Switzerland for five years has given me a fresh perspective on social and humanitarian causes and has exposed me to a wealth of knowledge about how different communities around the world have tackled many of the same issues that we are pursuing in the United States. This international experience coupled with my personal South American roots gives me the ability to be sensitive to many different points of view and think creatively. When looking at an issue, I consider it from all angles and weigh its implications across numerous fields. I bring with me natural curiosity about a wide array of social issues and the desire to put all of the knowledge I acquire at the service of the community. In this and in everything, I adhere to a personal philosophy of expecting excellence without sacrificing the enjoyment of what I do. 

What I love most about my work: Individual people are at the heart of our work. I love that all the learning I’m exposed to isn’t a dead-end theoretical pursuit but makes me a better-informed member of the community that can contribute real support to those who need it. Philanthropy is the perfect arena to be able to exercise my desire to help and satisfy my intellectual curiosities. Finally, I love how managing a foundation calls upon my entire skillset, which allows me to invest in my work authentically and holistically.

What I am most excited about learning right now: I am fortunate to work with funders who cover almost the full spectrum of donor interests. Currently, I’m excited to continue learning about holistic wellness, education-workforce pipelines, sustainable agriculture, and international grantmaking. In all of these areas, I also want to continue deepening my understanding of racial justice, as it is relevant for all aspects of society. 

What I do in a typical week: Although every day is different, generally, I manage the operations and grantmaking cycles of several foundations. I also work with my colleagues to facilitate board educational conversations so that individual board members feel confident that they have the right information to make strategic funding decisions. Cultivating relationships with grantees, performing and synthesizing research, and planning engaging board retreats are just a few of the other activities that keep me busy!  

What I do when I’m not working: In my free time, I work towards my personal dream of becoming a novelist – which can be a very hot or cold pursuit – I look after my furry and four-legged child, and participate in foreign language exchanges. You can find me on the plane traveling to the far corners of the world, at a Latin dance party, or binging sitcoms on the couch. 

What my coworkers say about me: Daniel can lead a room and brings a sense of fun and style to his work. He is a natural presenter and a clear thinker, able to synthesize complex ideas for his clients. His teams can trust that he will be tuned in, care about immediate deliverables, and the ultimate impact of his work.