LaShawn Ames is a seasoned fundraising executive with more than 30 years of experience in resource development, with a strong focus on grassroots organizations and youth development. With deep expertise in securing funding from the U.S. Department of Education and other public and private sources, she has successfully raised over $13 million in external funding from state, federal, foundation, corporate, and individual donors. Her strategic approach has been instrumental in addressing funding disparities for small and emerging nonprofits, helping them secure mid- to large-scale support. 

Most recently, LaShawn served as Assistant Vice President of Development at Vibrant Emotional Health, where she led efforts to increase and diversify the organization’s annual fundraising revenue. She managed a portfolio of more than 300 major donors and partners—developing and executing successful cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies across teams. Her efforts included expanding support from major donors, family foundations, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and corporate partners, as well as securing sponsorships and driving fundraising events. 

LaShawn holds a degree from Boston University and is a proud 42-year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., actively involved in the Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter. She is also a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. LaShawn is the proud mother of twin daughters and grandmother to three grandchildren.

As Vice President of Safety and Security at Urban Resource Institute (URI), Wayne Brown oversees a comprehensive restructuring of URI’s safety and security operations across all facilities. His portfolio includes security personnel management, recruitment, training, emergency preparedness, vendor partnerships, and the implementation of safety policies and procedures—all in alignment with URI’s trauma-informed model of care. 

With a distinguished background in law enforcement and global security, Wayne brings more than two decades of experience from both public and private sectors. He previously served with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (New York) and held leadership roles in New Jersey law enforcement. Most recently, Wayne was the Associate Director of Regional Security and Global Investigations at Gilead Sciences and Director of Investigations and Public Safety at the National Police Defense Foundation, where he led international investigations and developed safety strategies to protect vulnerable populations. 

Wayne holds a Master of Science in Administrative Science with a concentration in Leadership and a Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University. His leadership philosophy centers on proactive risk management, continuous training, and fostering a culture of safety and accountability. As URI strengthens its commitment to holistic care, Wayne plays a pivotal role in ensuring safe, secure, and healing environments for staff, clients, and communities. 

Nathaniel Fields is the Chief Executive Officer of Urban Resource Institute (URI). URI is the nation’s largest provider of domestic violence shelter services and a leading provider of services for the unhoused, operating 25 emergency and transitional housing sites that utilizes a trauma-informed approach that positively impacts the lives of approximately 40,000 people annually. Nathaniel is a recognized voice in the field and a visionary leader who displays an unwavering commitment to survivors of domestic and gender-based violence and the unhoused.

URI has introduced groundbreaking initiatives such as People and Animals Living Safely (PALS), the Economic Empowerment Center, the Abusive Partner Intervention Program (APIP), and the Legal Education and Advocacy Program (LEAP).  These programs provide survivors of DV and the unhoused with critical tools for economic security, legal protection, and long-term stability. URI has shared its expertise across the U.S. and globally, including in Thailand and Portugal in 2024.

A respected policy and advocacy leader, Nathaniel ensures survivors, and the unhoused needs remain at the forefront of legislative change. He serves on influential boards and councils, including the NYC Mayor’s Nonprofits and Social Services Advisory Council, the NYS Council on Women and Girls, and the Human Services Council. His advocacy focuses on expanding all housing access, advancing economic justice, and shaping policies that create lasting protections for survivors and the unhoused.

Nathaniel’s impact has earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as a Nonprofit Power Player and Black Trailblazer. He has been named to City & State’s Nonprofit Power 100 and Crain’s Notable Black Leaders and Executives, cementing his status as a leading voice in the human services sector.

As a lifelong learner, Nathaniel holds a Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University, a certificate in nonprofit executive leadership from NYU, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in leadership and innovation at NYU Steinhardt. He is deeply inspired by the resilience of clients, and the dedication of URI’s staff.  He continues to believe that “Hope is at the cornerstone of everything we do” as we transform lives and build stronger communities.

Amanda Eckhardt, PhD, serves as the Chief Program Officer at Urban Resource Institute, where she leads strategic program design and promotes an inclusive leadership framework in collaboration with program leaders across four departments. A researcher by trade, her training and fellowships in evaluation are rooted in leading research institutions and foundations, including Harvard Medical School, Lehigh University College of Education, the National Institutes of Health, the Robin Hood Foundation, and Arbor Rising. She is a thought leader and consultant to the National Institutes of Justice and the Office for Victims of Crime. Additionally, she is a published author and presenter on impact design and evaluation in various journals (e.g., American Journal of Evaluation) and at national and international conferences (e.g., International Family Violence and Child Victimization Research Conference).

Anthony B. Edwards is Chief Financial Officer at Urban Resource Institute, where he has overall financial management responsibility for the organization, including developing and implementing strategies that promote the continued financial health of URI. He is also responsible for assisting in the management of organizational risk, including but not limited to the development, implementation and monitoring of financial controls, safeguarding against loss and ensuring that financials are executed in accordance with management’s authorizations and U.S. GAAP. As CFO, Anthony is also accountable for the overall management of the Finance and Accounting Division.

Anthony is a dedicated executive with over 25 years of experience and a record of achievement by improving the financial processes and performance of several nonprofits. Anthony most recently served as CFO and Senior Vice President at Sheltering Arms, which for 190 years has provided services for children, youth and families. Prior to joining Sheltering Arms, he was CFO at Brooklyn Community Services for a decade, and previously served as the Director of Research Administration and Operations at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, where he played a pivotal role in improving research administration and grant management. Anthony has also worked at 1199/Employment Training & Job Security Program, and Beth Israel Medical Center in an accounting and financial management capacity.

Anthony received his MBA from Dowling College and a BS in Accounting at Brooklyn College. He is a member of the Global Academy of Finance and Management, certified as a Master Financial Planner, Accredited Management Accountant, and Accredited Financial Analyst. He is also a member of the American Academy of Financial Management, certified in Corporate Finance and is a Master Financial Manager.