Recommendations

Theresa’s wide-ranging experiences provide informed, insightful perspectives on issues related to institutional and personal philanthropy. She demonstrates a capacity to understand differing views and is driven to find common ground. Theresa always has fresh perspectives on issues and is willing to challenge longstanding assumptions as a means of developing pragmatic solutions.

Robert D. Haas, Chairman Emeritus, Levi Strauss and Co. and President, Levi Strauss Foundation

Theresa is unique: she understands the many stakeholders firms and foundations must address as they work to meet the needs of a complex world. She is smart, diligent, thoughtful, no-nonsense, gracious, kind, and a visionary strategic thinker. As an academic who studies business and human rights, Theresa has taught me much about the “real world.” She is well connected and widely respected.

Susan Ariel Aaronson, Ph.D., Associate Research Professor & Policy Research Scholar, Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University

Theresa Fay-Bustillos is one of those rare individuals who have great experience working in the private as well as public and non-profit arenas. Her work with companies on strategic philanthropy and corporate responsibility demonstrates unique abilities to create breakthrough strategic thinking, while at the same time work effectively to develop the organizational change to implement these strategies.

Bradley Googins Ph.D., Associate Professor, Carroll School of Management, Boston College, former Executive Director Boston College Center on Corporate Citizenship

Theresa has been a leader in understanding the role gender plays on issues and solutions. She has the ability to screen for what is missing and bring that to the table in a very constructive way. She is a problem solver and strategic thinker.

Judy Patrick, President and CEO, The Women’s Foundation of California

I’ve seen Theresa first-hand out in the field, in Indonesia and worked with her as a funder leading a complex and innovative project. She is inquisitive without being intrusive. She is approachable while being discerning. She always has insights that are valuable. Most of all, she is results driven.

Paul Rice, President and CEO, Fair Trade USA

Theresa has deep knowledge and experience in understanding how to create public policy change. As a grantmaker, it’s clear she understands the role of advocacy and power of public policy.

Nan Aron, President, Alliance for Justice

Theresa is an outstanding philanthropic leader, as thoughtful in her interactions as she is discerning about ideas and approaches that can make a difference. She is a true and determined change-agent, ever just and ever focused on outcomes.

Jane Wales, President & CEO, World Affairs Council of Northern California; President, Global Philanthropy Forum; and Vice President, Philanthropy and Social Innovation, Aspen Institute

Theresa was one of the industry members of a multi-stakeholder working group that I led to develop sustainability indicators for the apparel and footwear sectors. Theresa was invaluable to the group in working through how sustainability issues intersected with the business practices of the sector, and how that translated into performance measurement. Aside from her professional knowledge, she was a pleasure to work with and appreciated by her colleagues.

Sean Gilbert, China Director, Global Reporting Initiative