Leslie Shaw Named BlinkNow Foundation Board Chair for 2023
Thursday, February 23, 2023
“Each child is a wonder.” This is what our 2023 Board Chair said when we asked for a quote. What a gift it is to have people fully in on our mission at all levels of the organization.
The BlinkNow Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to name Leslie Shaw as our 2023 Board Chair. Leslie will provide key leadership and support to the organization as we grow our impact serving children and women in Nepal. This new role is a natural transition and outlet for her expertise and immense passion for the BlinkNow mission and the people we serve.
Leslie has been a BlinkNow supporter since 2015, after hearing Maggie speak at an event in Mountain Lakes, NJ. She has served as a Board Member, currently co-chairs the Development Committee, formerly led the Nominating Committee, and helped to create the BlinkNow Futures (career readiness) program.
CEO Maggie says, “Leslie has been a long-time supporter, advisor, committee member, and friend to BlinkNow. She was critical to the development and implementation of our strategic planning process in 2018 and served as our think tank for developing our futures committee. I am so incredibly excited to work side by side with her as our new Board Chair in 2023 and beyond.”
Leslie graduated from the University of Indiana with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. She has worked in both merchant and buyer roles for Bamberger’s in New Jersey (a division of Macy’s). Leslie has extensive non-profit board and volunteer experience with organizations addressing issues of childcare, public education, and foster care. She loves kids of all ages, from one-day-old infants to teenagers.
Leslie grew up in Southern Illinois and has lived most of her adult life in Boonton Township, NJ. Leslie and her husband, Jeremy, have three grown daughters. Leslie loves words and information and is an avid reader. She also loves hiking, trail running, boating, and being outdoors.
Leslie says, “It’s a great privilege to work on behalf of BlinkNow and our families in Kopila Valley. I am inspired by Magge’s vision and seeing the daily delivery of our mission: changing the world by empowering Nepal’s children. Seeing daily photos of the students in the classrooms, on the soccer field, in the library, and eating healthy meals is thrilling. Each child is a wonder.”
We are thrilled about this next chapter and are confident that Leslie will guide BlinkNow well in this leadership position. Thank you, Leslie!
We are also extremely grateful for our retiring Board Chair, Robert Vogel, who has just completed nine years of service on the Board. Rob has served in a variety of roles over the years, including Board Treasurer, Board Chair, and Executive Committee member. He has traveled to Nepal and has, along with his family, hosted our Kopila Valley students in his U.S. home. He has also opened his home to host fundraising events for BlinkNow.
Rob has used his career and leadership experience in finance and foundation work to assist BlinkNow in establishing and maintaining best practices for financial controls and strategic planning. He will continue to advise the BlinkNow team and oversee a new construction project, and he will remain an "uncle" and mentor to our students and staff alike.