Women’s Philanthropy in Action

Dr. Connie LeDoux Book

Dr. Connie LeDoux Book is a passionate advocate for higher education and its power to transform students’ lives. She spent 16 years as an Elon University faculty member and administrative leader, helping to build the university’s reputation for excellence in engaged teaching and learning. In 2015 she accepted a groundbreaking role as the first female provost and chief academic officer at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina. Following her impressive accomplishments there, she returned to Elon as president in 2018, bringing a deep appreciation for the university’s unique history and its rapid rise to national prominence.

Under President Book’s leadership, Elon has been annually ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 national university for excellence in undergraduate teaching and the nation’s leader in eight “programs that enhance student experience.”

In 2020, President Book led creation of the 10-year Boldly Elon strategic plan to advance the university’s national leadership in experiential education, mentoring and student success. The university has established innovative new academic programs in engineering, nursing, science and technology, expanded programs to promote health and wellness and invested in new programs to support inclusive excellence, faculty and staff, and alumni engagement. New facilities include the Innovation Quad for engineering and sciences, Schar Center (a 5,000-seat convocation center and sports arena), Sankey Hall, Koenigsberger Learning Center, East Residential Neighborhood, LaRose Student Commons, and The Inn at Elon, an on-campus hotel.

In 2024 Book led the historic establishment of an Elon campus in Charlotte, North Carolina, the state’s largest metropolitan area. The facilities house the new part-time Flex Law program of Elon University School of Law, along with undergraduate programs in sport management and summer study programs that are part of Elon’s Study USA opportunities.

Book spearheaded the successful Elon LEADS comprehensive campaign, raising $260 million for endowed scholarships and engaged learning scholarship funds, eight new facilities, three new professorships, and an endowment for the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education with support of the largest single gift in Elon history.

As an advocate for access to education at all levels, Book is past chair of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and serves as NAICU’s representative on the board of the American Council on Education (ACE). She is a board member for the North Carolina Independent College and Universities (NCICU), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Project Pericles and many others.

Book has a doctorate from the Grady College of Journalism at the University of Georgia, a master’s degree in education administration and supervision from Northwestern State University (Louisiana) and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Louisiana State University.

Cat Slack 

Cat is a nationally recognized fundraising expert, strategist, writer, communications strategist, public speaker, and trainer. Cat has led partnerships with dozens of organizations such as: BostonWomen’s Fund, California State University in Sacramento, Feeding America, International Rescue Mission, RestoreOKC, North Texas Food Bank, Food Bank of Northern Nevada, United Way of Rhode Island, and many more. She advises c-suite leaders through transition and culture-change as they grow and leads acclaimed trainings for fundraisers in myriad missions across the United States. For more info visit: https://www.catslackconsulting.com/

Carme Williams, CFRE

Carme Williams is a seasoned advancement professional with nearly three decades of leadership in corporate and nonprofit sectors. She has held key development roles at Rice University, Houston Community College Foundation, and Prairie View A&M University, where she increased philanthropic revenue by 48%. Now with Washburn & McGoldrick, she advises institutions on fundraising strategy, alumni engagement, and board development. A passionate advocate for women’s philanthropy and inclusive giving, Carme serves on the NC State University Foundation Board and holds leadership roles with AADO, the United Nations Houston Chapter, and the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce. For more info visit: https://www.wash-mcg.com/team/carme-williams/

Experienced Brand Strategy and Communications Leader with over 17 years of experience overseeing Marketing Teams, Brand Planning, and Communications Strategies in New York City and DC, with strong skills in Brand, Comms, Digital, Social, Experiential, and Partnership Marketing. Graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the University of Virginia.

Anne Murphy

We Do Enterprise AI Adoption | Founder, #SheLeadsAI | Fundraising Consultant and Coach | Mom | Professional Speaker

Anne is a professional fundraiser with 25 years of experience in higher education and non-profit advancement. Her why is to deliver on the promise of a better future.

She is known as an authentic leader, natural connector, and gifted fundraiser. Her work with clients, students, and audiences always begins with examining personal beliefs as the first building block of successful relationship-building.

Working with other passionate higher education and nonprofit leaders, Anne has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for STEM education, medical research, arts and culture, open spaces, at-risk youth, food security, and higher education. As a senior leader in higher ed, she has led campaigns, managed large teams, and partnered with academic leaders. Nurturing inclusive relationships drives her leadership success.

As the founder and CEO of Empowered Fundraiser, Anne leads a team serving development operations through fundraising training and development, strategic consulting, and executive coaching. Her newsletter, #FundraisingNOW is a go-to resource for anyone in the philanthropic sector.

As a public speaker and facilitator, Anne gives inspiring keynotes, conference sessions, and trainings. Audiences love her authenticity, insightful storytelling, and sense of humor in the face of serious subject matters. People use her accompanying free resources to deepen the transformation from their time with her.

Jen Stone
Associate Vice President, Advancement | Alumni and Parent Giving, Colgate University

Jen Stone has more than two decades of leadership experience in non-profit advancement with experience in annual giving, women’s and parent’s philanthropy, major gifts and alumni engagement. In her most recent role as Associate Vice President for Advancement at Colgate University, she serves as part of the senior leadership team in driving The Campaign for the Third Century, which has a $1 billion goal.  Stone currently oversees a data-driven Annual Giving program that has increased unrestricted giving by 30% over the past six years.  Stone also manages Colgate’s parent giving and women’s philanthropy efforts, both of which have seen significant growth within the past two years. The Women’s Leadership Council has recently launched a $200 million multi-year initiative under her leadership.  Believing in the player-coach leadership model, Stone fosters collaboration across campus, working closely with the President’s Cabinet and board members. Notable achievements include serving as Chief of Staff to the Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement, supporting Colgate’s Bicentennial Reunion, and building a strong alumni relations program. Stone has received several accolades for their leadership, including the John LeFevre ’41 Athletics Leadership Award and the Maroon Citation awarded by the Alumni Council.

Kathleen Maloney Sykes
Leadership Gifts Officer
Bowdoin College

Kathleen Sykes is a dedicated nonprofit professional with extensive experience in fundraising, organizational strategy, and relationship management. As a Leadership Gifts Officer at Bowdoin College, Kathleen works closely with donors to deepen their connection to the College and advance its mission. She also leads a women’s philanthropic engagement and philanthropy initiative called the Bowdoin Network of Women.

Before joining Bowdoin, Kathleen spent 15 years in nonprofit sector in Boston. She served as Director of Development and Communications at The Food Project, where she successfully led efforts to raise over $3.5 million annually and implemented strategies that doubled grant revenue. Kathleen also held the role of Director of Development at CommonWealth Kitchen, contributing to organizational strategy and securing critical funding growth.

Kathlen began her career as a commercial litigator, managing complex cases and developing the analytical and communication skills that continue to underpin her success in the nonprofit sector. A graduate of Bates College and Suffolk University Law School, she is passionate about advancing mission-driven organizations and fostering lasting connections.

Karla Munden
Chief Audit Executive Lincoln Financial Group
W&M Foundation Board Member/Member, Founding and Charter Member Society of 1918

Karla Munden is a highly experienced financial services audit executive with a track record for managing Board relationships, developing senior-level partnerships, and leading audit teams to make measurable impacts. Repeated success guiding sizeable, cross-functional internal audit teams. Talent for building replicable strategies by leveraging outsourcing, automation, and experience. Expert strategist, negotiator, and closer. Known for strong ability to forge solid relationships with partners and build consensus across matrixed organizational levels, often using Innovation to overcome obstacles.

Karla graduated from the College of William and Mary and has an MBA from the University of Phoenix with pHD coursework. Karla earned a continuing education certificate in Cybersecurity from Carnegie Mellon University. Karla has been featured in the Institute of Internal Auditors publication, and she is commonly referred to as a subject matter expert and developer of industry best practices. She is Sarbanes - Oxley versed and is a Qualified Financial Expert. Karla is available for select Board engagements.