Shela Levante (she/her) is a dedicated philanthropist, connector, and advocate committed to advancing equity through the power of community and storytelling. She currently serves as Senior Director of Philanthropic Engagement at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, where she leads a $30 million campaign and oversees strategic communications with alumni and donors. With over a decade of experience in fundraising across higher education and community foundations, Shela brings deep expertise in donor engagement and social impact.

A passionate advocate for gender equity, Shela chairs the Berkshire County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, where she collaborates with local and state leaders to promote fundamental rights and opportunities for all women and girls. She also co-chairs the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, supporting bold, community-driven solutions to gender-based disparities and investing in women’s leadership across the region. Outside of her professional and volunteer leadership roles, Shela is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), supporting children navigating the foster care system with compassion and commitment.

Originally from Arizona, Shela has proudly called the Berkshires home since 2015. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Northeastern University and a Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership from Arizona State University. She is a 2024 AFP Leadership Institute cohort member, an active participant in AFP Western Massachusetts and PGGNE, and has been published in The Volunteer Management Report and the Journal of Education Advancement & Marketing.

Whether mobilizing resources, amplifying marginalized voices, or creating space for change, Shela brings purpose, passion, and deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of equity-driven work.