Big Thought Appoints Akilah Wallace to Lead Its Development Team

Wallace Brings More Than 17 Years of Experience In Development, Equity and Advocacy to the Post

DALLAS, TX, November 3, 2021 — Big Thought, an impact nonprofit, announced today that it has appointed Akilah Wallace as vice president of development focused on fundraising and donor engagement. Wallace joins Big Thought after serving as executive director for Faith in Texas for the past five years where she helped shape public policy and community engagement campaigns that are changing lives.

Wallace is known as a trailblazer in our community having founded the HERitage Giving Fund, the first Black giving circle serving North Texas and serving as donor relations manager for the Texas Women’s Foundation for several years. She is a seasoned expert in nonprofit administration, operations and fund development who is passionate about grassroots community organizing and influencing the next generation of philanthropists.

Big Thought equips youth in marginalized communities to imagine and create their best lives and world. Throughout its 30+year history of innovation, Big Thought has become a national model in arts education, out of school time systems, summer learning and juvenile justice intervention.

“The opportunity to continue advocating for community resources that are required for marginalized communities to pursue their best lives and thrive, while overcoming systemic barriers, is in alignment with a personal vision to lead a legacy of transformative impact,” said Akilah Wallace. “It is an honor to join in solidarity with the Big Thought team as we, together, work to close opportunity gaps for Black and Brown children.”

“We are very proud and excited to have Ms. Wallace, who is a true change agent, joining our team,” said Byron Sanders, president and chief executive officer of Big Thought. “Her strategic development experience, passion for racial, economic and social justice and innovative mindset will enable Big Thought to continue to serve an increasing number of students and communities as we grow.”

Wallace continues to serve as chair of the HERitage Giving Fund and as a board member of the Juanita J. Craft Civil Rights House and Museum. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas at Dallas in Human Services Management and Leadership and also studied business marketing and sales at Wright State University.

ABOUT BIG THOUGHT
Big Thought is an impact education nonprofit that closes the opportunity gap by championing the creators of tomorrow through youth programs, learning communities and advocacy. We believe all youth should be empowered to imagine and design a more equitable and innovative future. We equip learners with the space, tools and skills to think of new ways to approach challenges, make connections, and solve problems. Driven by its mission to make imagination a part of everyday learning, Big Thought has become a national model in arts education, out of school time systems, summer learning and juvenile justice intervention.