Cara Altimus, PhD is a managing director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy, leading the science and health innovation portfolio. A PhD neuroscientist, Altimus advises individual philanthropists and foundations on the state of research for various areas including neurodegenerative disease and mental health, identifying opportunities where their capital can make the biggest impact.

Mala Persaud is the director of communications for Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. A former journalist, Persaud is a mission-driven communications leader with expertise in science and health communications.

Melissa Stevens is the executive vice president of Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy, leading its work with individual and family philanthropists and foundations seeking to make a transformative, sustainable impact. Since co-founding Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy in 2015, she has overseen the creation and execution of philanthropic strategies that have influenced more than $3 billion in capital and built an unmatched network for donors to collaborate and amplify their impact.

Glorimar Aragon is an associate director on the Environmental and Social Innovation team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. In her role, Aragon advises individual philanthropists and philanthropic families on opportunities where capital can make the most significant impact.

Kelsey Barcomb, PhD, is a program manager for BD² and a senior associate on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team of Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. Barcomb received her doctorate in pharmacology from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and completed postdoctoral training in the field of neuroscience.

Martine Polycarpe is the program coordinator for the BD² Integrated Network and a senior associate at the Milken Institute, where she supports the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration team.

Aggie McMahon Stephens, MSc, is an associate director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. With a background in clinical neuroscience, she specializes in science philanthropy, research sector development, and global collaborations that maximize the impact of investments in science.

Gaby Alvarado is an executive assistant for Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy at the Milken Institute. Her work at the Institute is largely centered on assisting with special projects, department coordination, and supporting the philanthropy leadership.

Madeleine Cashin is an associate director on the Environmental and Social Innovation team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. Cashin is a part of the team designing and operating the Institute’s innovation competitions, including the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program, a series of multi-million-dollar innovation competitions and programs focused on advancing technological progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals in Africa.

Kara Whelply is an associate director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. She leverages her expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, philanthropic funding, and therapeutic development to advise individual philanthropists and nonprofit organizations on methods to advance their mission and accelerate the development of treatments.