Dr. Jacqueline Copeland
5.0
(11)
Studied at University of Oxford
Works at The Women Invested to Save Earth Fund
Not currently taking new clients
Work Experience
CEO, Founder
The Women Invested to Save Earth Fund
March 2020 - Present
Founded a global blended finance and coaching enterprise focused on funding and supporting women-led innovations in climate, creative, and social impact sectors. The WISE Fund operates in over 60 countries, partnering with entrepreneurs, corporations, and philanthropies to advance equitable access to capital and sustainable development. Under my leadership, the organization has become a leading voice in gender-lens investing and inclusive innovation. Recognized globally for initiatives like Black Philanthropy Month (BPM) and efforts to close the racial and gender wealth gap. • Deployed $ 1 M+ in seed funding, catalyzing $2B in investment for women-led ventures across 6 countries, including the US, Brazil, Kenya, South Africa, India, and Australia. • Advised 10+ social entrepreneurs, contributing to global scale-up and measurable growth in energy, water, and climate sectors. • Guided South African startup into a pan-African/U.S. joint venture, expanding clean energy access across 54 countries. • Founded BPM, a global campaign to elevate Black giving and funding equity, engaging 100M+ annually through events, media, and digital outreach; recognized by the UN and 50+ governments. Launched in 2011, BPM is observed every August as a coordinated, global celebration and strategic action campaign to transform philanthropy and drive funding justice for Black communities. • Convened global summits and the Reunity campaign to advance equity in philanthropy across Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean, uniting 19+ funding networks and thousands of changemakers. • Featured in Edward Elgar’s landmark volume on funding equity for developing BPM. • Built 50+ strategic partnerships with corporations, foundations, and NGOs to support diverse social entrepreneurs. • Delivered 150+ keynotes and media features in Forbes, Essence, and SiriusXM on gender, climate, and innovation. • Pivoted WISE’s global launch during COVID-19 to digital platforms, sustaining reach across 60 countries. Blended Finance Strategy, Social Impact Investing and +5 skills
Chief Operating Officer
Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology
August 2018 - July 2020
As the inaugural COO of a $60M global social enterprise, I spearheaded strategy, operations, and growth initiatives to advance women’s careers and corporate responsibility in tech across 80 countries. Managed a 250-person team and forged key partnerships with Fortune 1000 companies to scale training, DEI consulting, and workforce equity programs, including ABI India. Led the global expansion, including establishing an India subsidiary and tech center. Championed culture-building, fundraising, and innovative programming to enhance organizational impact and sustainability. • Scaled annual revenue from $18M to $45M in under two years by diversifying income streams and launching new membership and philanthropic programs. • Increased Fortune 1000 client base by 50%, securing contracts with IBM, Citi, Airbnb, PwC, and Accenture for DEI and CSR initiatives. • Founded India subsidiary, training 10,000 women annually and extending program reach to 250,000+ worldwide. • Designed and executed a strategic restructuring, doubling budget and creating sustainable multinational operations infrastructure. • Implemented revamped hiring and leadership coaching, doubling employee engagement and significantly reducing turnover in a 250-person team. • Secured a new global headquarters and women’s tech center, enhancing organizational culture and capacity • Represented the organization at global events with audiences exceeding 50,000, advocating for gender equity and tech inclusion. Global Operations Leadership, Revenue Growth & Diversification and +5 skills
Chief Operations Officer
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County
November 2014 - June 2018
Directed strategy, programs, and operations for the largest nonprofit in Santa Clara County, overseeing a $34M budget, 540 staff, and 100 locations serving over 54,000 individuals annually. Championed organizational transformation to enhance culture, expand impact, and deepen services addressing poverty, immigration, refugee care, and elder support. Strengthened financial health by diversifying funding sources and built innovative public-private partnerships. Developed award-winning initiatives and implemented trauma-informed leadership programs to boost staff engagement and service quality. • Expanded service offerings and locations by 20%, increasing client reach and improving self-sufficiency outcomes for 60% of participants. • Forged 10 new partnerships with companies like Hasbro and Darktrace to co-create MyWellBeing, a digital wellness tool aligned with WHO standards. • Reduced government funding dependence from 90% to 60%, growing philanthropic, foundation, and corporate revenue streams. • Launched trauma-informed coaching and wellness programs that doubled employee engagement and retention in high-stress teams. • Integrated innovative tech solutions, such as robotic therapy pets and centralized volunteer management, contributing to recognition as Silicon Valley Nonprofit of the Year in 2018. Nonprofit Operations & Strategic Leadership, Program Expansion & Impact Measurement and +6 skills
Executive Director
African Women’s Development Fund USA
August 2011 - September 2024
Served as the first U.S.-based executive for the African Women’s Development Fund, the pioneering pan-African women’s rights foundation supporting social change and development across 54 African nations. Led U.S. strategy, resource mobilization, and advocacy efforts to expand AWDF’s global presence and deepen its impact. Designed high-impact initiatives bridging the African continent and its diaspora to tackle urgent issues facing women and girls. Advocated for gender equity and African-led philanthropy at national and international levels. • Launched Saving Our Future: A Mother Africa Campaign, raising awareness and funding to address maternal and infant mortality among African and African American women. • Built partnerships with U.S.-based philanthropic institutions and diaspora organizations, increasing U.S. donations by 40% within one year. • Spearheaded public engagement efforts that reached 100,000+ people through speaking engagements, media, and grassroots campaigns. • Coordinated strategic messaging and visibility for AWDF across major U.S. cities, increasing brand recognition and donor interest.
Vice President & National Managing Director, Philanthropic Services
US Bank Private Client Group
May 2000 - June 2005
Led the national expansion of philanthropic services for high-net-worth individuals and trusts, shaping the firm’s strategic direction and positioning it as a leader in values-driven giving. Oversaw governance, compliance, and client solutions for a $1.3B portfolio, while building a scalable infrastructure for talent development and market innovation. Drove inclusive engagement strategies to reach new donor segments and amplify social impact. • Launched leadership development and hiring reforms that doubled employee engagement and cut turnover by 40% • Developed and implemented national staff training programs on charitable law and high-touch client service, reaching 100+ employees • Increased new client growth by 30% through targeted philanthropic solutions for women leaders, athletes, and community foundations Top Skills Gained: 1. Philanthropic Advisory Leadership 2. High-Net-Worth Client Strategy 3. Regulatory Compliance & Governance 4. Grantmaking Policy Design 5. Emerging Market Engagement 6. Workforce Development & Retention 7. Strategic Product Innovation
Executive Coach & Independent Consultant
Copeland & Associates
March 1985 - Present
As the founder of a global coaching and consulting firm, provide high-impact advisory and leadership development services to executives across philanthropy, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. Specialize in aligning purpose-driven leadership with organizational growth, social responsibility, and wellness. Advise billion-dollar philanthropic strategies and helped shape national programs. Recognized for advancing innovation in coaching and organizational transformation across sectors and continents. • Delivered coaching to 100+ leaders with a 100% retention rate and multi-year engagements across Fortune 500 firms. • Facilitated 250+ leadership programs for audiences from 5 to 10,000, strengthening performance and strategic clarity. • Led cross-continental assessment for a multinational firm, boosting engagement by 72% and increasing sales retention. • Created proprietary Change Mastery Coaching process; cited by clients as transformational for career clarity and wellness. • Advised Ford, Surdna, and McKnight Foundations on strategy and impact for $2B+ in philanthropic investments • Designed and launched initial framework for Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative. • Produced TED-style talks, board presentations, and multimedia strategy briefs to drive stakeholder alignment on ESG/DEI. Coaching, Coaching & Mentoring and +15 skills
Education
University of Oxford
Diploma, Social Finance
2021 - 2021
University of Pennsylvania
Ph.D. and 2 Masters, Anthropology and Urban Design with U.S., Africa, South Asia and Diaspora concentrations
2000
City and Regional Planning Master's 1990, University of Pennsylvania School of Design Focus: Human- and Planet-Centered Design, Community Economic Development and Evaluation Cultural Anthropology Master's 1991, University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts and Sciences Focus: Ethnography, Ethnoaesthetics, Social Change Cultural Anthropology Doctorate, 2000, University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts and Sciences Focus: Social and Culture Theory, Identity and Community Formation in Africa, South Asia and their Diasporas
Georgetown University
Bachelor’s Degree, Literature
Georgetown University
Diploms, African Studies
11 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Dr. Jacqueline has helped Leland clients get into Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology