Collaboration, Communication, and Onramps for NxG Family Members

A true Longhorn, Chelsea graduated Phi Beta Kappa from The University of Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts Honors, Plan 1, and Humanities Honors. Chelsea received her Masters of Liberal Arts with a focus on Grant Writing and Nonprofit Leadership from St. Edward's University in 2017 and is currently pursuing her PhD in Professional Adult and Community Education with a research focus on intergenerational education in the Philanthropy sector at Texas State University as the cohort's only Doctoral Merit Fellow.

Chelsea is passionate about intergenerational education, inspiring the next generation of philanthropists, and serves as a member of Nexus, Nexus' partnership braintrust with the United Nations (UNFPA), the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Young Professionals Network of Austin, Southwestern Angel Network, Art Crowd, and the Grant Writing Association. In Chelsea's current role as the President of the Keep Families Giving Foundation, she launched the foundation for her family, co-created an intergenerational brunch and learn series with Nexus' previous leadership member, SJ Murray, around story telling, and is looking forward to hosting the first intergenerational impact and philanthropy focused summit at Google in downtown Austin prior to SXSW. Chelsea also enjoys educating and managing The Keep Families Giving Foundation community which currently works with a portfolio of 50 next generation philanthropists and 50 mentors on various social good initiatives and projects. In collaboration with the KFG Foundation Board and the Next-Gen Advisory Board, Chelsea makes the investment and giving decisions of the foundation while also helping provide insights and learning opportunities for next-gen leaders championing various social good causes.

Previously serving in leadership Development roles at Austin Opera and I Live Here I Give Here (ILHIGH), Chelsea helped raise over 21 million dollars for the local community and helped support over 750 nonprofit organizations. Chelsea also worked closely with the Executive Director of ILHIGH to create the first ever I Live Here I Give Here Fund and the Leaders in Philanthropy Series which increased networking and funding amongst foundations, companies, and individuals for the purpose of increasing generosity in Austin. In partnership with the Executive Director, Chelsea helped manage impactful partnerships and sponsorships with Titos, Google Fiber, Charles Schwab, Topfer Family Foundation, Reissa Foundation, Corridor Title, NXP, Austin Community Foundation, Neiman Marcus, Insperity, The AKR Foundation and more. Chelsea also helped manage and co-lead over 90 local companies' corporate engagement plans and strategies for Amplify Austin Day as a part of the organization's business fundraising program. Chelsea continues to serve as a committee member and sponsor for ILHIGH. 

Spending her free time creating photography and music as well as developing impactful relationships in the artistic community, Chelsea enjoys consulting and helping with Board Development, Facilitation, and Planning for great organizations like Parker Jazz Club, Texas Jazz Society, AVANCE, and the Flatwater Foundation as well as serving on panels and participating in various speaking opportunities. Chelsea recently spoke at the Family Office Association and Intergen Conference in New York City about important shifts in Next-Generation Philanthropy and Impact Investing and guest lectured for the Design for Social Innovation (DSI) MFA program at the School of Visual Arts on the importance of intergenerational education in the social good space.