Meet Megan: YSC’s New Director of Philanthropy
Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is excited to announce the addition of Megan R. Whitman as the organization’s new Director of Philanthropy.
Megan brings two decades of philanthropic and fundraising experience to YSC. She served as Director of Institutional Giving at the New York Philharmonic and previously the Hetrick-Martin Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to serving at-risk LGBTQ+ youth. In these leadership roles, she prioritized building lasting relationships with diverse constituents and stakeholders, including foundations, government agencies and corporations. In addition, she has held several fundraising roles at the Museum of Biblical Art.
“I’m honored to join YSC at such a pivotal moment in the organization. I see tremendous opportunity to establish a culture of philanthropy and adopt best fundraising practices.”
Megan’s commitment to YSC is personal. She has a history of breast cancer on both sides of her family, including a cousin who was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in her forties and subsequently passed away from the disease. She also has numerous friends and former colleagues who are part of the young adult breast cancer community. Witnessing firsthand the unique experience of young adults who face a breast cancer diagnosis, Megan brings a passion to ensure YSC has the means to expand its critical programming.
“Breast cancer in young adults comes with a host of challenges,” Megan says. “Patients, survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer must manage immediate and long-term issues related to dating and relationships, school and career choices, fertility and family planning, sexual and mental health, body image, parenting, financial and legal matters and more. I am dedicated to raising awareness about these effects on young people and to obtaining much-needed funding and resources to support YSC’s community.”
"I’m honored to join YSC at such a pivotal moment in the organization. I see tremendous opportunity to establish a culture of philanthropy and adopt best fundraising practices." Megan’s strategic plans for revenue growth include establishing the systems, structures, and technology to streamline fundraising activities. She recognizes the valuable partnerships YSC already has and looks forward to deepening those relationships.
Outside of her formal roles in the nonprofit sector, Megan dedicates her time to numerous service initiatives. She has worked with the New York Women’s Foundation to promote the economic security, safety, and health of women, girls and gender non-conforming individuals in New York City. She volunteers for the Moxxie Mentoring Foundation helping them to improve their career training program for women in transition. Megan serves on CancerCare’s Young Professionals Committee and each summer volunteers as a running pacer for the Ulman Foundation’s Cancer to 5K program.
In her spare time, she personally raises funds for cancer research, support, and services for organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Metavivor, First Descents and CancerCare. Megan advocates for organizations to improve accessibility for people with disabilities, promoting more inclusive structures, processes and programs. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College and an MBA degree from New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business.
To contact Megan, email her at [email protected].
