Upendo Shabazz

Upendo Shabazz has been leading in the nonprofit philanthropic sector for over twenty years. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of RISE Coleman Park, a nonprofit community development organization in West Palm Beach, Florida. Prior to stepping into this role, Upendo founded and led U. Shabazz Consulting, LLC, through which she provided strategic consulting support to nonprofits and foundations specializing in grant operations, strategic planning, project management, project development, and convening and facilitation. It was through this consulting work that Upendo became instrumental in resetting and repositioning RISE Coleman Park — ultimately being called upon to lead the organization as its Chief Executive Officer.

For twelve years, Upendo was the Palm Beach Regional Vice President for Allegany Franciscan Ministries, overseeing the organization’s ministry in Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie Counties. Prior to joining Allegany Franciscan Ministries, she was the Vice President of Community Impact for United Way of Palm Beach County, responsible for funding partnerships, volunteer engagement, and managing all four impact areas including special projects. Before her work with United Way of Palm Beach County, she was a consultant for the Palm Beach County School District under the Department of Safe Schools, where she was responsible for grant writing, reporting, and overseeing the procured projects.

Upendo started her career as a social worker providing mental health therapy to individuals and families, quickly transitioning from direct service to the administrative level. She is skilled in managing people, including board volunteers, and is astute in
navigating the nuances of relationships both informal and formal in the philanthropic sector.

Throughout her career, Upendo has been active in developing her skills as a thought leader in philanthropy. She served for two years as faculty for Philanthropy Southeast Philanthropy Essentials and recently served on their 2022 annual meeting planning committee. Upendo has periodically taught as an adjunct professor for Barry University and is a frequent speaker on placed-based investment and Trust-based philanthropy.

Upendo earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Florida State University and is certified in Leadership and Management from the University of Miami. She currently serves as a board member for the West Palm Beach Arts and Entertainment District and as resource development chair for ABFE.

A native Floridian who grew up in Tallahassee, Upendo currently lives in Lake Worth Beach, Florida