Diane M. Manuel, MBA, PhD

Diane is a seasoned philanthropy and finance leader with more than 20 years of experience bridging the worlds of capital and community impact. She currently serves as Vice President of Finance & Operations for the Black Freedom Fund, where she helps align financial strategy with mission-driven outcomes.

Her work supports foundations, nonprofits, corporations, and individual donors in integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their investment portfolios. Through customized ESG and philanthropic investment strategies, Diane enables clients to meet financial goals while advancing social change and long-term community impact.

Diane is deeply committed to expanding justice and opportunity for women and girls of color. She supports this work by serving on the Boards of the Women’s Foundation of California and the Ms. Foundation for Women. Additionally, she is on the Board of Community Partners, a fiscal sponsorship organization that helps nonprofit leaders accelerate changes in their communities.

A Los Angeles native, Diane enjoys 5K runs, the beach, wine tasting, photography, and long walks with friends. She earned her B.S. from the University of Southern California and both her Ph.D. and M.B.A. from Claremont Graduate University.