C’Ardiss “CC” Gardner Gleser, Philanthropy Consultant, is an advocate for social impact and social justice work. CC began her career as a project manager in the tech and engineering sector and then transitioned to non-profit work to match her purpose to her passion. 

CC transitioned from the nonprofit sector and is now entrenched in the philanthropic sector. CC serves on the boards of Andrus Family Fund, Charlotte Martin Foundation, and Philanthropy Northwest.  She also formerly served as the Director of Programs and Strategic Initiatives at Satterberg Foundation, whose mission focuses on promoting a just society and sustainable environment. 

CC is extremely involved in her community, both locally and nationally. She previously served as the National President of the Yale Black Alumni Association and on Yale’s Board of Governors. She was also a Brainerd Fellow and a partner with Social Venture Partners Seattle where she co-chaired the Social Venture Teen Philanthropy Program. CC is a graduate of the 2017 Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE) Connecting Leaders Fellowship.

CC also founded Black Ivy Manor, which provides funding and other opportunities for Black scholars, artists, and social justice advocates the space to develop their crafts and voices, while supporting movement in community and cultivating relationships with one another.

CC earned her Bachelor's degree in African American Studies from Yale University, and an M.Ed. in Education Administration from Seattle University. She currently resides in the Detroit area with her husband and three children.