As Executive Director of the Vitamix Foundation, Natalie combines her lifelong passions for nutrition and well-being to advance the vision of the Foundation to enhance health and wellness through plant-based whole foods. After completing her master’s in nutrition, Natalie’s career journey began with her role as a WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) dietitian. This experience opened her eyes to the challenges of food insecurity, poor nutrition, and the impact of socioeconomic status and race on health and well-being, fueling her determination to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Prior to joining the Vitamix Foundation in 2021, Natalie played a key role in advancing groundbreaking scientific discoveries as part of the founding team of the Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals. In this capacity, she focused on leading global grant funding and partnership development to transform academic research into cures for society’s most devastating diseases.
Throughout her career, Natalie’s dedication to overcoming societal barriers in healthcare and nutrition has been unwavering, making her a visionary leader. In shaping the Foundation’s strategy, Natalie has created a framework to advance scientific evidence, increase access to plant-based whole foods, and empower others through partnership and innovative programs. Her leadership has fostered several successful initiatives to improve the health and well-being of mothers and children. Natalie holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Nutrition from Case Western Reserve University, providing her with a strong academic foundation that has equipped her with the knowledge and expertise to address complex health and nutrition challenges.
Abby is a dedicated Program Manager at the Vitamix Foundation, combining her expertise in project management with a deep commitment to the nonprofit sector. Her driving force is to "create access," ensuring that all individuals have the resources needed to thrive. Through attentive listening and collaboration with partners and grantees, Abby fosters an environment for growth and innovation among thought and action leaders in maternal and childhood nutrition, health, and well-being.
Her professional journey began in clinical research at the Cleveland Clinic, where she facilitated clinical trials for patients with blood cancers. Advancing her career, Abby managed enterprise-wide projects and led the Cleveland Clinic's Group of Aspiring Leaders (GOAL) organization. Subsequently, she served as the Foundation Relations Manager and Director of External Relations at a Northeast Ohio nonprofit, spearheading fundraising and marketing efforts to support families in crisis.
With a Master's Degree in Public Administration, specializing in Nonprofit Management and Leadership, from Cleveland State University, Abby possesses a strong educational background to complement her practical experience. Holding a Bachelor's of Science in English and Psychology from Baldwin Wallace University, she embodies a well-rounded approach to problem solving and community support.
Residing in Cleveland Heights with her husband, two children, and dogs, Abby's passion for making a difference shines through in her unwavering dedication to improving maternal and childhood health outcomes.