RUNWAY Roots runs on experience-informed leadership. 

RUNWAY Roots is led by a Black women–centered team of visionaries, organizers, and innovators. Grounded in lived experience, we confront systemic barriers, reimagine what’s possible, and work toward economic prosperity and justice for Black communities. 

Fundraising

  • Jessica Norwood

    FOUNDER & CEO

    Jessica (She/Her) is a financial activist, investor and social entrepreneur.

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  • Stephanie Glenn

    INVESTOR RELATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

    Stephanie Glenn (she/her) is a strategic leader in philanthropic innovation, a community champion, dedicated to creating meaningful relationships and transformative impact.

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Lending

  • Preston P. Price

    CHIEF LENDING OFFICER

    Preston Price (He/Him) is a financial advisor, activist, founder and creative.

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  • Leila Tamari

    CHICAGO FUND MANAGER

    Leila (She/Her) looks forward to bringing her artist-self to RUNWAY, and hopes to bring creative approaches to financial innovation!

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  • Laurika Harris-Kaye

    DIRECTOR, FUND ADMINISTRATION

    Laurika Harris-Kaye (She/They) is a changemaker, systems enthusiast, and seeker.

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Programs

  • Naima McQueen

    MANAGING DIRECTOR

    Naima McQueen (She/Her) is a weaver of stories and experiences, convener, and strategist. She is a lover of people and systems AND people as systems and is driven by the passion, ideas and joy of others and the process of bringing those to actualization.

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  • Melody Short

    COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE MANAGER

    Melody (She/Her) hopes to foster strong and meaningful connections between Runway and all stakeholders (entrepreneurs, investors, etc.), create spaces of collaboration, design and implement innovative programming and create community engagement opportunities.

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  • Tomme Faust

    POWER BUILDING STRATEGIST

    Tomme Faust (they/she) is a learner, storyteller, and advocate.

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Narrative Strategy

  • Kela Lester

    COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIST

    Kela Lester bridges the worlds of people, creativity, and business.

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  • Ivellisse Morales

    COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE

    Ivellisse is a proud RUNWAY entrepreneur, agency founder and communications strategist based in Cambridge, MA.

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HR and Operations

  • Aisha Blackman

    DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE & CULTURE

    Aisha (She/Her) is excited to bring a blend of strategic vision, inclusive leadership, and a passion for continuous improvement.

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  • Jeanine Lee

    HEAD OF INFO TECHNOLOGY

    Also known as Lee (all pronouns) is a technologist and creative, with a background that spans engineering, writing and poetry, photography, and finance.

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  • Chris Cook

    FRACTIONAL CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER

    Chris Cook is a recognized and respected leader, team builder and mentor, and a sought-after financial advisor.

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Advisory Board

  • Konda Mason

    Konda (She/Her) is a social entrepreneur, eco-spiritual thought leader and justice advocate working at the intersection of social and financial justice and planetary healing.

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  • Bosko Kante

    Bosko Kante is an award-winning music producer, inventor, tech founder, and artist advocate. As one of the world’s top talkbox artists, he has written and performed on Grammy-winning albums by Dua Lipa and Kanye West.

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  • Victoria Watkins

    Victoria R. Watkins is an attorney in Chicago, specializing in business, legislative, and creative industry law.

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