Jilla Tombar, MA, CAP, CEO, BlackBridge Philanthropic. A visionary systems change strategist, philanthropic advisor, and nonprofit management expert, Jilla uses the platform of philanthropy to facilitate and support innovative, community-led solutions that address economic, racial, and climate justice. For more than 20 years, Jilla has been both a grantmaker and fundraiser –responsible for moving more than $80 million dollars from foundations, corporations and individuals to economically disadvantaged communities.

Jilla is the Managing Director of BlackBridge Philanthropic (BlackBridge), a philanthropic advising firm dedicated to connecting philanthropists with social change initiatives. This includes helping donors figure out why, what, and how they give to increase their charitable impact and ultimately advance justice. BlackBridge also specializes in advising intermediary foundations and philanthropic collaboratives. Jilla also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Tulane University’s John Lewis School of Public Administration in New Orleans, LA.

Jilla previously served as the Strategic Partnerships Officer at the Greater New Orleans Foundation where she leveraged her deep professional networks and experience in nonprofit management and fundraising to build holistic grantmaking programs, funder collaboratives, and leadership initiatives. Jilla has also served at the Latin American Youth Center, Earth Conservation Corps, and the Center for Nonprofit Advancement in Washington, DC. Jilla is the co-founder of the Women’s Foundation of the South, a public foundation that addresses racial and gender equity at its root by shifting philanthropic resources to support women and girls of color in the American South.

Jilla serves on the board of directors for the Louisiana Children’s Museum, NeuroCritical Care Foundation, and Phila Ventures. Jilla earned a Master’s in Philanthropy & Development from LaGrange College. She is certified as a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® through the American College of Financial Services.