The BlinkNow Foundation Board of Directors has appointed Leslie Shaw as its 2023 Board Chair. Shaw will provide key leadership and support to the organization as it grows its impact serving children and women in Nepal. This new role is a natural transition and outlet for her expertise and immense passion for the BlinkNow mission and the people it serves.
What does Shaw bring to BlinkNow in the role?
Shaw has been a BlinkNow supporter since 2015, after hearing Chief Executive Officer Maggie Doyne speak at an event in Mountain Lakes, NJ. She has served as a Board Member, currently co-chairs the Development Committee, formerly led the Nominating Committee, and helped to create the BlinkNow Futures (career readiness) program.
Leslie Shaw graduated from the University of Indiana with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. She has worked in both merchant and buyer roles for Bamberger’s in New Jersey (a division of Macy’s). Shaw also has extensive non-profit board and volunteer experience with organizations addressing issues of childcare, public education, and foster care.
She loves kids of all ages, from one-day-old infants to teenagers. Shaw grew up in Southern Illinois and has lived most of her adult life in Boonton Township, NJ. Leslie Shaw and her husband, Jeremy, have three grown daughters. She loves words and information and is an avid reader. She also loves hiking, trail running, boating and being outdoors.
Doyne said, “Leslie has been a long time supporter, advisor, committee member, and friend to BlinkNow. She was critical to the implementation of our strategic planning process in 2018 and served on our think tank for developing our futures committee. I am so incredibly excited to work side by side with her as our new Board Chair in 2023 and beyond.”
Shaw said, “It’s a privilege to work on behalf of BlinkNow and our families in Kopila Valley. I am inspired by Magge’s vision and seeing the daily delivery of our mission: changing the world by empowering Nepal’s children. Seeing photos of the students in the classrooms, on the soccer field, in the library, and eating healthy meals is thrilling. Each child is a wonder.”
What legacy does Vogel leave behind as Board Chair?
BlinkNow is thrilled about this next chapter and confident that the new Board Chair will guide the firm well in this leadership position. BlinkNow is also grateful for retiring Board Chair, Robert Vogel, who has just completed nine years of service on the Board.
Vogel has served in a variety of roles, including Board Treasurer, Board Chair, and Executive Committee member. He has traveled to Nepal and has, along with his family, hosted Kopila Valley students in his U.S. home. He has also opened his home to host fundraising events.
Robert Vogel used his career and leadership experience in finance and foundation work to assist BlinkNow in establishing and maintaining best practices for financial controls and strategic planning. He will continue to advise the BlinkNow team and oversee a new construction project, and he will remain an “uncle” and mentor to students and staff alike.
