February 20, 2024

Ms. Welcomes Nelta Sanon

by Nelta Sanon

Nelta Sanon (she/her) joins the Ms. Foundation as the Events Manager.

What brought you to the Ms. Foundation?

For the past eight years, I’ve worked in the rare disease space – including at a cancer organization – while my best friend was battling cancer. She subsequently lost her battle with cancer and I knew I could no longer work in the space, and it was time to leave the medical nonprofit world. I started my career at an event production company where most of our clients were nonprofit organizations centering social justice and fighting for equity for all, which is also one of my passions. When I saw that the Ms. Foundation for Women – an organization I’ve longed admired – was hiring, I jumped at the chance to apply and here we are! I am so blessed to work at an organization dedicated to uplifting women. 

What gets you out of bed every morning? 

Making the world a better place. Making a difference. Doing my part to make the world a more just and equitable place. I love a good inspirational quote and one of my favorites is: “Purpose is what gets you started; passion is what keeps you going.”  Making a difference is my purpose and my passion. Believing in the work I do motivates me to get out of bed. 

What badass feminist inspires you? 

There are so many—Audre Lorde, Roxane Gay, Michelle Obama, my mom, my sister… but I have to say my mentor, Janet Rollé. She has been my mentor since high school and I’ve watched her shatter glass ceiling after glass ceiling, from serving as the EVP & CMO of CNN Worldwide to becoming the first Black CEO and executive director of the American Ballet Theatre. She is also the first woman and the first person of color to serve as a director on BuzzFeed’s board. I knew I could do anything I put my mind to because I was blessed and fortunate to have a role model who looked like her. 

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

You are enough!