evolve — Unlearning To Lead: Unlocking The New Leadership Paradigm

Manuela Contreras (she/her/ella), Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of Con Fuerza Experiences, is revolutionizing how social impact leaders and social entrepreneurs approach their work and well-being. Through innovative, trauma-informed experiences, Manuela guides leaders to reclaim their inner "Fuerza" (strength), fostering a harmonious relationship between productivity and personal well-being. Her unique approach, combining racial equity theories with somatic practices and modern leadership models, supports leaders to break free from oppressive systems and create lasting positive change in their communities.

As a business and leadership alignment consultant, holistic coach, and facilitator, Manuela catalyzes a ripple effect of transformation. Leaders who engage with Con Fuerza Experiences revealed increased connection to their purpose, sustainable leadership habits, and improved organizational cultures. By cultivating ecosystems of trust, respect, and growth, she is reshaping the landscape of social impact work for generations to come.

With professional experience at the Council on Foundations, Philips North America, Make-A-Wish, Danone S.A., and the Rise and Walk Foundation, Manuela brings a wealth of knowledge to her work. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and International Business Management from Sacred Heart University and is fluent in both Spanish and English.

A proud Colombian immigrant and generational cycle breaker, Manuela is passionate about honoring her roots while exploring innovative, soul-centered living. Her connections to community, nature, and movement have been instrumental in keeping her grounded throughout her evolving journey.

Satonya Fair (she, her, hers) joined PEAK Grantmaking as the organization’s first President and CEO in August 2020.

As President and CEO, Satonya works closely with the board and staff to articulate and implement a vision for the future of PEAK, ensuring a values-driven approach in which equity, diversity, inclusion, awareness of power dynamics in the craft of philanthropy, and a commitment to learning, sharing, and evolving, are integrated and operationalized in the organizational strategy. She is dedicated to engaging PEAK membership and building the organizational value proposition, while also cultivating strong partnerships with philanthropy-serving organizations and the broader philanthropic sector as an ambassador, thought leader, and collaborator. During her tenure, she hopes to strengthen internal infrastructure, grow and diversify PEAK’s funding base, and support an inspired and dynamic staff team while fostering inclusivity, shared values, and high performance.

Satonya brings 25+ years of experience working in nonprofit and philanthropic roles. Prior to joining PEAK, she served as Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer at The Executive Leadership Council where she developed and launched a philanthropic engagement strategy and funding pillars for the organization. Previously, she was Director of Grants Management at The Annie E. Casey Foundation where she oversaw grant operations, and served in management roles at Citi, supporting community relations and foundation giving.

Satonya earned her JD from the University of Cincinnati and her bachelor’s degree in psychology and political science from Miami University (Ohio). She is a graduate of the Career Pathways executive leadership program at the Council on Foundations (Cohort 3) and is a certified Prosci Change Management practitioner.

She is an active volunteer, including former board service with PEAK Grantmaking, the Technology Association of Grantmakers and Maryland Philanthropy Network. She enjoys family and friend time, traveling abroad, tennis, a great British detective show, baking, and her love language is organization.