Senior Knowledge and Learning Director Lita Ugarte Pardi (she, her, ella) joined PEAK Grantmaking in June 2022. In this role, Lita leads the strategy and execution of PEAK’s events and sector convenings to elevate equitable and effective philanthropic practices. In addition, she advances the Principles of Peak Grantmaking and advocates for their adoption by grantmakers. Lita leads the development of PEAK’s knowledge base of the current and changing state of practices in the field, and leads and executes opportunities and resources that advance equity and PEAK’s theory of change. This includes serving as the coeditor of PEAK’s annual PEAK Grantmaking Journal.
Lita comes to PEAK with more than 20 years of experience working in the nonprofit and philanthropy space. Prior to joining PEAK, she spent 17 years at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta leading teams of various sizes and overseeing the foundation’s community impact work. This included general operating support grantmaking, capacity-building grants, scholarships, and multiple community initiatives, connecting all this work with foundation donors and their passions. Lita has significant experience in working to strengthen nonprofits through various grantmaking programs and initiatives spanning strategic planning, board development, succession planning, executive transitions, and strategic mergers.
Lita is an alumna of the Council on Foundations’ Career Pathways program and a Hull Fellow through Philanthropy Southeast. A resident of Atlanta, her career started at the Latin American Association where she ran programs for Latino youth and later turned to strategy and fundraising. Originally from Peru, Lita received her undergraduate degree from Berry College. She serves on the board of directors of redefinED Atlanta, regularly volunteers at her children’s schools, and spends a good bit of time on the soccer field and basketball court.
