Borealis Philanthropy is honored to be supported by a board of leaders and experts who represent the power, beauty, and wisdom of the movement and philanthropic ecosystems.
This year, we’re thrilled to welcome four new members to this group:
Jeffrey Butts, Ph. D (he/him)
Research Professor and Executive Director, John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Dr. Butts’ work focuses on discovering and improving the effectiveness of policies and programs related to the justice system. Previously, he was a research fellow with Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, director of the Program on Youth Justice at the Urban Institute in Washington, DC, and senior research associate at the National Center for Juvenile Justice in Pittsburgh. Since 1990, Dr. Butts has developed and managed $56 million of research and consultation projects ($77 million in constant dollars). He has worked with policymakers and justice practitioners in 30 states and several other countries, published more than 100 monographs and reports for government agencies and foundations, authored two books and dozens of book chapters, as well as articles in academic journals. He began his justice career as a drug and alcohol counselor with the juvenile court in Eugene, Oregon. Originally from Springfield, Ohio, Jeff graduated from the University of Oregon and earned an MSW from Portland State University before graduating with a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan.
Melvin Carter (he/him)
Former Mayor, St. Paul Minnesota
Melvin Carter is a fourth-generation Saint Paul resident, Saint Paul public school graduate, former Saint Paul City Councilmember, father, and Saint Paul’s Mayor. Carter grew up in the Rondo neighborhood as the son of one of Saint Paul’s first black police officers, and a teacher (who now serves as a Ramsey County Commissioner). He attended Saint Paul public schools, ran track at his neighborhood rec center, and graduated from Central High School. He currently lives blocks away from where he grew up with his wife, Dr. Sakeena Futrell-Carter, and the youngest three of their five children. Carter has been working to engage, enfranchise, and uplift people not only in Saint Paul, but also across the state and nation. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of the Minnesota Children’s Cabinet, advising Governor Mark Dayton on early childhood policy. Prior to joining state government, Carter represented Ward 1 on the Saint Paul City Council from 2008 to 2013. In the run up to his campaign for Mayor, Carter spent a year in conversation with neighbors through a series of listening sessions called Imagine Saint Paul. His unconventional campaign focused on grassroots organizing and earning support from every corner of the city.
Monserrat Padilla (she/her)
Program Officer, Satterberg Foundation
Monserrat Padilla has been a Program Officer at Satterberg Foundation since July 2021. Prior to joining Satterberg, Monserrat was the Director of the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network; a powerful statewide coalition that came together in 2016 to protect immigrant rights. Monserrat has worked at the state and national level for over 12 years building the capacity of grassroots organizations through programs and advocacy campaigns to foster community development for LGBTQ+, immigrants, and people of color. Under COVID-19, Monserrat mustered state policy wins that brought economic relief for Washington state undocumented immigrant residents through direct cash assistance, legal support, and access to healthcare. Monserrat also recently served as a 2022 Grantmaking Fellow with the Trans Justice Funding Project.
Dr. LaTonya Penny (she/her)
Chief Executive, Laughing Gull Foundation
Dr. Penny is a longtime advocate for those who have been pushed to the margins. She brings more than 20 years of experience leading organizations, serving as an executive director, consultant, and organizer. She founded Mary’s Grace Incorporated in 2013 to assist faith communities and schools with creating safe spaces of inclusion with persons who are differently abled. Her previous leadership roles include serving as the executive director of family abuse services of Alamance County, Inc. and the associate director of church services for All Belong Center for Inclusive Education.
Dr. Penny is committed to giving time and talents to the community and does so in part by participating on the board of North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness. Her commitment to inclusion led her and her partner to launch Belonging Fellowship, a ministry committed to creating a safe space for all to live out their faith and make an impact in their community through community service and giving.
She is a published writer and sought after speaker. Dr. Penny earned a bachelor of arts from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, a master of arts from East Carolina University, a master of divinity from Wake Forest University. She completed her doctor of ministry from Campbell University. She and her partner Charles Penny, II are the parents of three. She enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.