In this conversation, Melanie Foote-Davis and Tesha McCord Poe explore the themes of grief, joy, and resilience. Tesha shares her personal journey of loss, including the deaths of her husband and father, and how she found ways to process her grief through writing and humor. They discuss the importance of community, the lasting impact of love, and the mission behind Tesha's company, Joy-Raising, which aims to empower organizations to raise funds with joy. The conversation emphasizes that grief is a personal journey without a timeline, and that finding joy amidst sorrow is a choice we can make. They explore the multifaceted nature of leadership within philanthropy, emphasizing the importance of personal connections and the dignity of both giving and receiving. They discuss the challenges of fundraising, the emotional complexities surrounding money, and the necessity of fostering a supportive community. The dialogue alsotouches on personal growth, the healing power of joy, and the significance of choosing how to engage with life and others.
More about Tesha
Tesha McCord Poe, J.D./M.B.A., is the CEO and Founder of Joy-Raising, LLC, a consultancy dedicated to diversifying philanthropy by engaging people of color as donors and professionals, and supporting nonprofits through inclusive advancement strategies. With over a decade of senior administrative experience and a career total of over $100million raised—including multiple six- and seven-figure gifts—Tesha brings unmatched insight to fundraising, executive leadership, and organizational change.
Her experience spans roles as Interim Head at The Girls’ Middle School, Chief Advancement Officer at Castilleja School, and Chief Development Officer at Boys and Girls Clubs of the Peninsula and Associate Head of School at Hillbrook School. Tesha’s personal journey as a faculty child, student, parent, administrator, and trustee in independent schools shapes her bold, values-driven leadership style.
Joy-Raising’s flagship event, The Summit, convenes professionals of color in philanthropy for inspiration and connection. A sought-after speaker and TEDx presenter, Tesha co-authored Beyond Widow and serves on multiple nonprofit boards. She holds degrees from Barnard College, Columbia University, and Northwestern University, and lives in California but is known to find herself traveling and working in beautiful places in the U.S. and beyond
Connect with Tesha
The Summit: A Joy-RaisingExperience
Book: Beyond Widow by Patty McGuigan and Tesha McCord Poe
Connect with Melanie