MI Philanthropy

Kimberly Bailey is a director at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy, specializing in business development and creating tailored programs for individuals and organizations looking to make a profound impact on our world.

Ishtiaq Mawla is an associate director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration team at the Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy.

Tom Jurkiw, PhD, is an associate director of grants management on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. In this role, Jurkiw advances cutting-edge biomedical research by strategically managing grants that drive innovation in the biomedical sciences.

Taylor Evans, PhD, is a senior associate on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. Her expertise lies in biomedical research, molecular genetics, rare diseases, and computational biology tools.

Elizabeth Burke, PhD, is an associate director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. Her expertise lies in rare disease research, including neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, strategic planning, project management, and promoting collaboration between clinical and scientific teams.

Sara ElShafie, PhD, is an associate director of Strategic Philanthropy at the Milken Institute. Serving its Environmental and Social Innovation portfolio as a global climate specialist, ElShafie helps to build philanthropic initiatives for thriving environments and communities.

Emily Musil, PhD, is managing director at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy, where she leads the Environmental and Social Innovation portfolio.

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.

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.

Kelsey Barcomb, PhD, is a program manager for BD² and an associate director 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.