Lenise McWhorter is director of organizational design and development at The Skillman Foundation. In this role, she leads cross-organizational planning, alignment, and change management initiatives.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Lenise worked in public affairs at Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, serving in various community and foundation roles. During her tenure, she led the company’s U.S. employee volunteer engagement program, spearheaded corporate community giving in southeast Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio and managed a foundation funding portfolio focused on K-12 education, youth development, and career pathway programs for youth in Detroit.

Lenise was born and raised in Detroit, MI. She is a Cass Technical High School alumna and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of Detroit-Mercy and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, and binge-watching food shows.

Areas of expertise:
Strengthening organizational capacity, strategy implementation, and formulating partnerships to deliver value-added change

How I can help partners:
Strategic unity and connectivity

A quote that describes my outlook:
“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.” – Dr. Mae C. Jemison

How I reenergize:
Mediation, yoga, and nature walks