Michigan Women Forward (MWF) recently tapped Natalie Hall for its new role of chief development and program officer.
Hall, who is responsible for leading programming, including the Michigan Women’s Historical Center and Hall of Fame, also will oversee the girls’ leadership programs, along with development, marketing, and communications throughout the state.
“I could not be more excited to be the newest member of MWF,” Hall told the Michigan Chronicle. “As a Michigan woman who’s worked on both sides of this great state, I understand the needs of our communities. I am proud to help support women and entrepreneurs of color across the state who are trying to make a living. MWF values women – our voices, our ideas and our future – and provides the training, resources and funding to lift women up.”
Her New Role, Her New Vision
Hall said that MWF created the statewide chief development and program officer role to lead the external programs – including the Michigan Women’s Historical Center and Hall of Fame, girls’ leadership programs, and more, like the development and marketing, communications functions throughout Michigan.
“I’ll be busy coordinating programs in communities across the state to further MWF’s mission to expand economic opportunity, empower the next generation, and celebrate and honor the accomplishments of Michigan women,” she said.
“We hired Natalie to join the MWF team because she is a strategic leader who will provide statewide leadership to our fundraising and programs,” said Carolyn Cassin, MWF president, and CEO. “As the first-ever chief development and program officer, she plays a crucial role in the support and empowerment of Michigan women and girls.”
This position is based in Grand Rapids and reports to Cassin.
Hall has more than 20 years of experience in business development and communications. Before joining MWF, she worked as the development director for Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. Hall is a member of several community groups including Jack & Jill of America, Inc., United Way, Grand Rapid’s Student Advancement Foundation, Women’s Resource Center, and Giving Circle.
Hall earned a Bachelor of Arts in public relations from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia. She resides in Ada, Michigan.
Empowered to change that statistic, the women founded Michigan Women Forward, formerly known as Michigan Women’s Foundation: the only public, a statewide foundation devoted to the economic and personal well-being of Michigan women and girls.
MWF is a certified community development financial institution (CDFI) whose mission is to expand economic opportunity for women and entrepreneurs of color, empower the next generation, and celebrate and honor the accomplishments of Michigan women.
MWF’s 2021 Hall of Fame Inductees includes Roz Brewer, who became the only African American woman CEO of a Fortune 500 company, Walgreens; Diana R. Sieger, president of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and Debra White-Hunt, co-founder and artistic director of The Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy.
MWF was founded in 1986 by 20 extraordinary visionaries who conceived of an organization that would encourage women to play an active role in philanthropy and governance. MWF is a community development organization whose mission is to expand economic opportunity, empower the next generation, and celebrate and honor the accomplishments of Michigan women.
A Deeper Dive Into 2022
Hall said that this year will be a big year for MWF.
After earning community development financial institution (CDFI) certification in January 2022, MWF will now have access to more resources and funding to create an inclusive economy for the state of Michigan, Hall said.
“With this certification, MWF is better equipped to meet the needs of economically disadvantaged individuals within underserved communities, including those who are often left unable to access traditional financial support. 2022 is the year of Michigan women,” she said.
For more information, visit www.miwf.org.
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