We’re thrilled that our Chief Development Officer, Chelsey Souza, CFRE, has been named a 2025 Woman of Influence by the Silicon Valley Business Journal! With nearly 25 years of experience in fundraising, enabling philanthropy and building community, Chelsey brings strategic leadership, integrity, and passion to everything she does for Pivotal and the young people we serve.  

Before joining Pivotal in 2023, Chelsey led Essex & Drake Fundraising Counsel as President and today, acts as a senior advisor for the firm. As a senior consultant for a decade, she advised nonprofit capital campaigns and major gifts. She also worked in Corporate Philanthropy at eBay and as a Development Officer at Silicon Valley Community Foundation, where she helped manage millions in grants and cultivated enduring donor relationships. 

Chelsey’s commitment to community building spans 29 years as a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters and 16 years volunteering with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), where she has contributed to the development of ethical fundraising practices across the industry. 

The Silicon Valley Business Journal honors the most influential women in Silicon Valley from the private, public and nonprofit sectors. Chelsey and the other amazing honorees will be celebrated at the Women of Influence 2025 event on Thursday, June 26. More details here. 

Please join us in congratulating Chelsey on this well-deserved honor and her continued impact on Pivotal and the community! 

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