Moving Billions with Light Energy

About this episode

Sarah Nichols interviews Leti McNeill Light about leadership in philanthropy and empowering women in the field.

In this week's episode Sarah sits down with Leti McNeill Light - Associate Vice Chancellor of UCSF and Co-Founder and President of SIGAP - a nationally recognized leader in higher education philanthropy. With nearly 25 years of experience across top universities and transformative fundraising initiatives, Leti shares what it means to lead with intention, curiosity, and care. Together, Sarah and Leti unpack the real work of philanthropy: building power, cultivating options, and creating space for meaningful change - whether in a lab, a boardroom, or your own home. Leti shares candid reflections on managing large teams, sustaining energy as a leader, and her personal commitment to move billions in philanthropic giving during her lifetime. They also explore how women can find their voice in philanthropic spaces professionally, personally, and collectively.

People in this episode

Host: Sarah Nichols

Guest: Leti McNeill Light

Topics covered

• philanthropy
• leadership
• women empowerment
• fundraising
• higher education

Keywords

• philanthropy
• leadership
• women
• fundraising
• higher education
• change
• team management

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: UCSF, SIGAP

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