Meet Maria

The most important thing to know about Maria Dautruche is that she is from Money Earnin' Mount Vernon, NY - a majority Black city north of the Bronx - where she was raised in a Jamaican household and nurtured in a church committed to social justice and community empowerment. A Rooted Collaborative™ Ambassador, Maria is currently an Awesome Foundation NYC Trustee and a giving circle enthusiast. Professionally, Maria Dautruche, CAP® is a seasoned fundraiser with significant experience in foundation fundraising and corporate philanthropy. Maria was an institutional advancement professional in New York City arts, cultural, and educational organizations before taking on leadership positions in advancement at the Smithsonian Institution and National Urban League.

How do you intend to use the funds?

In 2022, Maria earned her Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) designation, administered through The American College of Financial Services. The Birgit Smith Burton R.I.S.E. fund award will help Maria learn more about how planned giving and legacy planning can better benefit middle-income, working class Black families and Black communities. Maria is particularly interested in Dr. Pamela Jolly's soon-to-be-launched Wealth Finishing School in the The NarrowRoad™ for Advisor's program track and becoming a member of Philanthropic Planning Group of Greater New York to be in community and have access to more educational resources.