August 8, 2022
Ms. Foundation Announces Hiring of Russatta Buford as Chief Operating Officer
NEW YORK (August 8, 2022) – Today, the Ms. Foundation for Women announced the hiring of Russatta Buford to the role of Chief Operating Officer. Russatta brings years of experience managing high-stakes initiatives with financial and social impact in both the private and social sectors, and has a proven ability to shape systems that meet business needs with significant gains in risk management, process optimization, and strategic planning.
In her new role, Buford will lead the Ms. Foundation’s efforts to align its systems and practices with its core values and the emergent needs of the communities the organization serves while supporting the wellbeing and effectiveness of staff.
“We’re thrilled to have Russatta join our incredible team,” said Teresa Younger, President and CEO of the Ms. Foundation for Women. “She brings years of operational experience from her time in both the nonprofit and for profit sectors, and has a proven track record of strengthening operations while thoughtfully leveraging them for both internal professional development and overall community impact. I look forward to working closely with her to continue our vital work for our grantee partners, grassroots leaders, and women and girls of color across the country.”
Prior to joining the Ms. Foundation, Buford served as the Chief Administrative Officer at the Institute for Nonprofit Practice. She served in various roles at companies and organizations at DataKind, Global Health Corps, the Brooklyn Community Foundation, and Teach For America where she expanded organizational capacity by managing operations and strategy. She also possesses experience from the financial services, oil and gas, and manufacturing sectors.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be joining the Ms. Foundation as its new Chief Operating Officer,” said Buford. “What drew me to the Ms. Foundation is its approach to trust-based philanthropy and how it invests in movement leaders on the frontlines in their own communities. I am honored to contribute to their track record of success in my new role and support the advancement of equity and justice for all.”
Russatta holds an MBA from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Florida A&M University. Since she always finds a way to stay busy, she can be found either ambling around the city with her family or volunteering for food justice.
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The Ms. Foundation for Women transforms our democracy by building women’s collective power. Guided by a gender and racial justice lens, we resource grassroots movements that center women and girls of color, advance feminism in philanthropy, and advocate for policies that improve women’s lives across the country. Since 1973, we’ve opened up worlds of possibility for women and girls. But to finally achieve justice for all, we need you in our fight. Learn more and get involved at ForWomen.org.