Donzelina Barroso Named as Director, Global Philanthropy, for Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, one of the world’s leading nonprofit philanthropic services, announced today that Donzelina Barroso has been promoted to Director, Global Philanthropy. In this role, she will lead RPA’s European advisory practice and expand the organization’s global presence.
Barroso has more than a decade of experience in international grantmaking and project management at RPA, including work in education, arts, health, human services, poverty alleviation and environmental issues. She has designed and implemented educational funding for disadvantaged communities, helped develop and launch an arts center, and created policies, programs and operations for new foundations. She has presented to audiences from Brazil to South Korea.
Before joining RPA, Barroso served as a consultant to a leading U.S. corporation to bring improved technology and practices to small farmers and cooperatives in Angola. She was also affiliated with the Camões Center for the Study of the Portuguese-Speaking World, at Columbia University. In 1998, her interview with Nobel Prize-winning Portuguese author, José Saramago, was published in The Paris Review.
She serves on the board of the Portugal-US Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of the Steering Committee of Philanthropy New York’s International Grantmakers Network. She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from Columbia University, a Master’s in Public Administration from the Wagner School of Public Service at New York University, and a B.A. from Barnard College at Columbia University. A dual citizen of the U.S. and Portugal, she is fluent in English, Portuguese, French and Spanish.
“Donzie is an invaluable asset to our team, and her global philanthropic experience makes her the perfect candidate to lead our London office,” said Melissa Berman, President and CEO of RPA. “Her exceptional track record and global perspective will help RPA in our continued efforts to create thoughtful, effective philanthropy throughout the world.”
Barroso, who is currently based in New York, will begin laying groundwork immediately for the launch of RPA’s London presence and will move there in January. She will work with RPA’s existing partners to further work on the Theory of the Foundation, RPA’s signature research effort, and other initiatives.
“As a longtime RPA staffer, as well as a citizen of Europe, I’m delighted by the opportunity to further serve individuals, families and institutions in the UK and Europe, as well as expand opportunities for research,” said Barroso. “I look forward to supporting RPA’s European programs, establishing a physical presence and partnering with our global networks.”