Experienced nonprofit and philanthropy sector leader joins the Foundation in Sarasota in March
The Patterson Foundation welcomes Michelle Walker of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy as its newest Fellow. Through The Patterson Foundation Fellowship, Walker will apply her professional experience and education from the world’s first school dedicated solely to the study and teaching of philanthropy during a two-plus-year engagement in Sarasota, Florida.
Introduced in 2018, The Patterson Foundation Fellowship is a full-time opportunity for graduates of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s advanced degree programs to accelerate their impact and careers. During their experience, Fellows have opportunities to drive positive impact in partnership with local foundations and nonprofits while strengthening existing skills and growing new ones. Additionally, Fellows develop meaningful connections with social change leaders across the country while receiving one-on-one mentorship from The Patterson Foundation’s president and CEO, Debra Jacobs.
“Michelle is a strategic changemaker experienced in catalyzing meaningful impact alongside nonprofit, funder and community leaders,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “As a Fellow, she will build on that experience by discovering fresh ways to apply her talents while learning and evolving through The Patterson Foundation’s collaborative approach to strengthening people, organizations and communities. We’re proud to welcome Michelle and excited for the mutual growth this Fellowship journey will spark.”
Along with her knowledge and skills gained from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies degree program, Walker brings extensive experience in helping mission-driven organizations navigate challenges, align stakeholders and build capacity for impact to her role at The Patterson Foundation. As founder and president of Walker Philanthropic Consulting, she has advised nonprofit leaders on developing strategies and leveraging their intangible and intellectual capital assets to strengthen decision-making and achieve mission-aligned goals for more than a decade.
Prior to founding her consulting business, Walker served as development officer and director of annual and reunion giving at Muskingum University, where she developed an unrestricted giving strategy and advanced donor development communications. She previously worked with SAE International as a development and operations manager, where she provided development expertise and organizational leadership to expand the organization.
Walker enjoys being involved in her community and has served as a member of the board of directors at Pittsburgh Community Services and Assemble, Inc. In addition to her master’s degree from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Walker holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh.
“As a kindred ‘possibilitarian,’ I see this Fellowship as the next step in exploring what is possible for my leadership and for future contributions I can make to the sector I care deeply about,” said Walker. “I am ready to engage wherever my skills can add the greatest value to the Foundation’s initiatives, operations or exploring new ideas.”
The Patterson Foundation Fellowship is part of the Advancing Philanthropic Leadership initiative. Presented through a collaboration with the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Advancing Philanthropic Leadership strengthens the positive impact of the philanthropic sector by equipping philanthropy and nonprofit leaders with mindsets, skills, practical experiences and connections to drive positive outcomes in communities and organizations.
Walker will have opportunities to connect with Fellows who have come before her through the TPF Beyond alumni network, which gives Fellows a platform to learn from and share with one another throughout their careers. The network connects current Fellows and Fellowship alumni through virtual and in-person gatherings.
Walker will begin her experience with The Patterson Foundation in Sarasota in March 2026.
“We’re pleased Michelle will be able to further expand her expertise and contribute meaningfully to The Patterson Foundation’s work,” said Amir Pasic, the Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. “We’re delighted to continue our collaboration with The Patterson Foundation, which makes this special opportunity available to our alumni.”
The Patterson Foundation is currently accepting applications for its next Fellowship cohort, with new Fellows scheduled to begin their experience this summer. Graduates of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s advanced degree programs interested in applying are encouraged to participate in an upcoming Zoom information session to learn more and connect with Fellowship alumni. Prospective applicants can join either of these two sessions based on their schedule and availability:
- Wednesday, Jan. 21, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. EST
- Tuesday, Jan. 27, 6 to 7 p.m. EST
For more information on the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and its programs, visit philanthropy.indianapolis.iu.edu. To learn more about The Patterson Foundation Fellowship, please visit thepattersonfoundation.org/fellowship.
###
About The Patterson Foundation
The Patterson Foundation is a fully endowed charitable entity strengthening people, organizations, and communities in ways that foster wide participation around shared quality-of-life aspirations. For more information, please visit thepattersonfoundation.org.
About the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is dedicated to improving philanthropy and the world by training and empowering students and professionals to be innovators and leaders who create positive and lasting change. The school offers a comprehensive approach to philanthropy through its undergraduate, graduate, Ph.D., PhilD, certificate and professional education programs, its research and international programs, and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, the Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute. Follow them on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.