Leya Petrovani Miller

Favorite inspirational quote:

“There is a strength, a power even, in understanding brokenness, because embracing our brokenness creates a need and desire for mercy, and perhaps a corresponding need to show mercy. When you experience mercy, you learn things that are hard to learn otherwise. You see things you can't otherwise see; you hear things you can't otherwise hear. You begin to recognize the humanity that resides in each of us.”

– Bryan Stevenson

Pronouns: she/her

Areas of expertise: major gifts, middle giving, junior board development, case development, diversity, equity and inclusion, capital campaigns, talent development

Causes I’m most passionate about: poverty alleviation, democratizing access, social justice and women’s rights

My fundraising story: I started fundraising early in my career and immediately enjoyed the capacity to build trust-based and meaningful relationships. I’ve since built a peer giving program at The Ethical Culture Fieldston School, created a strategy for mid-level gifts at The Bowery Mission, and raised millions of dollars as a major gift officer providing life-sustaining and transforming care for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness.

Why I care about helping nonprofits grow:  I believe that people are best when we are helping one another. Nonprofits provide a platform for us all to be innately more human and bring about the justice that we all deserve. I specifically love working with fundraisers because fundraising is about building lasting and meaningful connections between philanthropists and transformational impact. 

Hobbies: going to the playground with my son Ezra, exploring new restaurants in Harlem, my houseplants and interior design, being outside, hiking

Unusual talent: I’m really good at parallel parking on both the left and right sides of the street.