Natalie Fotias

Natalie Fotias, vice president of communications, joined The Skillman Foundation in 2015. She is responsible for organizational voice and brand reputation; communications strategies, campaigns, and creative content; and narrative and media grantmaking. She leads and supports the communication efforts of several community-based and statewide initiatives. Her work raises the profile of Detroiters as education changemakers and supports a diversity of people to come together to improve K-12 education.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Natalie worked in communications and fundraising in the nonprofit sector for Gleaners Community Food Bank and Muscular Dystrophy Association. She led telethons, radiothons, publications, signature events, and multi-channel marketing campaigns. Before entering the nonprofit sector, Natalie led lululemon athletica’s branding and community outreach efforts in Michigan, leading to record-breaking sales for the international company.

Natalie received her master’s degree in communications from Wayne State University and bachelor’s degree in film and video production from Columbia College. She is a creative writer, video editor, and multimedia creator who explored youth culture and identity through her work.

Natalie is a leader of ComNetwork Detroit, a local chapter of the Communications Network, which brings together social sector communicators to learn together and solve complex social issues.

She is a Systems Storytelling Fellow in Collective Change Lab’s global cohort to build the field of systems storytelling, curating practices and growing narrative power within collectives.

Natalie is married to Sam Fotias and has a son named Costa. They enjoy Detroit’s many music and cultural festivals.

Areas of expertise:
Messaging for social change, communications strategy, organizational voice, multi-media communications, writing, crisis communications