The Helen Bader Foundation has promoted Maria Lopez Vento to vice president, programs and partnerships, a role in which she will center her focus on strategic philanthropic efforts related to aging, employment and youth.
Lopez Vento’s new leadership position will also include assistance with foundation initiatives geared toward improving education, spreading art into unprivileged neighborhoods and further building the region’s network of nonprofits.
Lopez Vento has been a part of the foundation’s team since 1992, the year the Milwaukee-based organization launched. Throughout her career with the foundation, she has worked in administration and grant making and most recently served as program officer with oversight of the foundation’s Community Partnerships for Youth program.
Lopez Vento has also contributed to foundation initiatives involving mental health, substance abuse recovery and Guatemalan orphanages.
“As she has risen up the ranks, Maria has shown a true passion for addressing basic human needs, whether in Milwaukee or beyond,” said Daniel Bader, president of the Helen Bader Foundation. “She has not only created a number of strong partnerships, but she has also shown to be a good listener and effective collaborator. We look forward to Maria applying those skills throughout the foundation’s interests.”
Outside her position at the Helen Bader Foundation, Lopez Vento has been a part of leading and advising organizations such as BoardStar, Holton Youth+Family Center, Latino Arts, Milwaukee Community Service Corps, and the Nonprofit Management Fund.
The Helen Bader Foundation awards an average of $10 million each year to area programs, projects and nonprofits targeting youth, aging and workforce development for at-risk populations.
