Bio & Expertise
Mari Eva Mendes (she/her) is a seasoned fundraising and communications strategist with over 20 years of multinational experience in philanthropy, training, and program development.
Recently returning to NRDC to lead a new area of prospecting and foundation stewardship, Mari Eva continues to be active in development and communications leadership in New York City. Through MEM Consulting, she coaches and mentors fundraising professionals delivers keynotes, and facilitates nationwide workshops.
Previously, she transitioned from global marketing to advocacy and fundraising in the UAE and India, founding Maya for Women to support the inclusion of LBQT women in India. In the US, Mari Eva has held senior roles at organizations like Harlem United, managing a $50 million public health portfolio, NRDC as the first Fundraising Equity Director, and Girls for Gender Equity as their first Chief Development and Communications Officer. As LEAP’s inaugural Chief Development Officer, Mari Eva led fundraising and communications efforts to promote accessible arts education for NYC youth in under-resourced communities.
Mari Eva currently serves on NTEN’s Session Advisory and Community Equity Committees and as a member of AFP's Fundraising Day New York program committee. She was also nominated to serve as a member of Community Centric Fundraising’s Global Council Steering Committee, leading its 2023 international strategic plan.
Growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mari Eva’s Black/Global South feminist perspective informs her work. She leverages her multiethnic heritage and experiences to build resources for underserved communities of color. She is fluent in Arabic and holds a triple-major Bachelor of Arts from Bangalore University (India) and professional certifications in Coaching (Embrace Change), Counseling Psychology, Sexuality and Gender, Professional Fundraising, Women of Color Leadership, and Restorative Justice Circles.
