Dion Cartwright serves as the Director of Equitable Initiatives and Leadership Development for The Funders Network. With a commitment to justice and equity, Dion works to develop local, national and international grassroots and philanthropic leaders in supporting low income communities and communities of color. In her formal philanthropic career, Dion served as a member of the Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF) Community Investment team for 16 years. She was responsible for the implementation of BCF’s Neighborhood Improvement Strategies that focused on creating safe, clean, green and vibrant neighborhoods.

Dion is an alum of the PLACES Fellowship of the Funders Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities (TFN). She chaired the PLACES Advisory Board for four years before joining the TFN team in 2016 as the Director of Equitable Initiatives and Leadership Development. Dion currently oversees the PLACES Fellowship as its Director and manages the learning and engagement of over 125 alumni. She is also responsible for driving TFN’s commitment to advancing racial equity both internally and externally for its network of members.

Dion has engaged with various local and national nonprofit and philanthropy serving organizations, including the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers, the Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance (BNIA), Neighborhood Funders Group, Grassroots Grantmakers, and United Philanthropy Forum.

Dion received her education at Gardner-Webb University where she studied Computer Science and Business Administration. In 2015, Dion was recognized as one of Maryland’s Leading Women by the Daily Record. She currently resides in Baltimore, Maryland and spends her free time traveling, mentoring and enjoying the local arts scene.