Urban Resource Institute Welcomes LaShawn Ames as Vice President of Development

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

For press inquiries, contact: media@urinyc.org 

Urban Resource Institute Welcomes LaShawn Ames as Vice President of Development 

NEW YORK, NY (March 31, 2025) – Urban Resource Institute (URI), the nation’s largest provider of domestic violence shelter services and a leading advocate for homeless families, proudly announces the appointment of LaShawn Ames as Vice President of Development. 

A seasoned fundraising executive with more than 30 years of experience, Ames brings a deep commitment to equity and a strong track record in securing transformational funding to support underserved communities. Reporting to Victoria Hernandez, Chief Development & Marketing Officer, Ames will lead URI’s fundraising strategy, overseeing major gifts, institutional giving, corporate partnerships, and donor engagement to drive sustainable growth. 

Throughout her career, Ames has raised over $13 million in external funding from state, federal, foundation, corporate, and individual sources. Her expertise spans U.S. Department of Education grants, youth development initiatives, and building equitable support systems for grassroots and emerging nonprofits. 

Most recently, Ames served as Associate Vice President of Development at Vibrant Emotional Health, where she led efforts to increase and diversify revenue from major donors, family foundations, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, while also expanding volunteer and sponsorship opportunities. 

“LaShawn brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape, especially as it relates to advancing social justice and community empowerment,” said Victoria Hernandez, Chief Development & Marketing Officer at URI. “Her strategic leadership will be vital as we continue to strengthen our donor base and secure critical resources to fuel URI’s mission.” 

Ames shared, “I am honored to step into the role of Vice President of Development at Urban Resource Institute—an organization whose transformative work aligns with my decades-old intentionality in serving communities. For years, I have been committed to advancing equity, access, and opportunity through mission-driven fundraising, and URI’s impact in providing essential services and innovative programs is truly inspiring. I look forward to collaborating with incredible colleagues, partners, and supporters to drive meaningful change.” 

A Boston University alumna, Ames is a 42-year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., active in the Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter, and a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She is the proud mother of twin daughters and grandmother to three. 

LaShawn Ames’ appointment marks a key step in URI’s ongoing investment in building a sustainable and values-driven development program that fuels its life-changing work across New York City.

About Urban Resource Institute
Urban Resource Institute (URI) is a pioneering organization that transforms the lives of domestic violence survivors and homeless families by empowering individuals, families, and communities to break free from cycles of domestic violence, homelessness, poverty, and trauma. As the nation’s largest provider of domestic violence shelter services and a leading advocate for homeless services, Urban Resource Institute (URI) supports over 40,000 individuals each year through holistic, trauma-informed programs. These include prevention, intervention, education, and comprehensive services offered across residential and non-residential settings in New York City. URI is recognized as a thought-leader with influence across the U.S. and beyond. For more information, visit www.urinyc.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. 

For immediate assistance, please call NYC’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.