Shiara D’Costa is dedicated to advancing the mission and impact of nonprofit organizations through strategic fundraising and relationship management. As the Assistant Director of Major Gifts at FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), she partners with donors to achieve their philanthropic goals while supporting programs in research, education, advocacy, and community health.

Shiara holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from Columbia University, where she developed expertise in strategic leadership, finance, and social impact. Her background spans both higher education and public health, including prior roles at Cornell University, NYU Langone Health, and VNS Health.

Driven by a commitment to service and sustainability, Shiara brings strong communication, collaboration, and analytical skills to every role. She is passionate about helping mission-driven institutions grow their reach and strengthen their long-term impact.

Management from Columbia University, where she developed expertise in strategic leadership, finance, and social impact. Her background spans both higher education and public health, including prior roles at Cornell University, NYU Langone Health, and VNS Health.

Driven by a commitment to service and sustainability, Shiara brings strong communication, collaboration, and analytical skills to every role. She is passionate about helping mission-driven institutions grow their reach and strengthen their long-term impact.

Amanda embarked on her first nonprofit role in corporate philanthropy and cause marketing 20 years ago with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, where she was mentored by some of the best minds in the field. Subsequently, she spent her career leading development teams at organizations with missions dear to her soul and heart—youth mentoring, public health, gender and racial justice, and human rights. Amanda has led fundraising and communications teams at various national, state, and citywide organizations, building and inspiring departments that continue to raise and cultivate millions of dollars. 

After earning her master’s degree in social impact and a human rights certificate, Amanda began teaching and creating nonprofit and grants-related courses for Temple University’s continuing education team. Tapping into her passion for justice and education reignited Amanda’s desire to consult, teach, and resource leaders, change-makers, and good-seekers. Amanda is currently a full-time Director with Aperio Philanthropy, a fundraising consulting agency rooted in the philosophy that we deserve a world where we all thrive.

Tulsi Joshi is a nonprofit professional with over nine years of experience across the public and private sectors, with a strong focus on strategic, donor-centric philanthropy. She is the Director of Development at Columbia Global Reports, a nonprofit publishing imprint at Columbia Journalism School. Previously, she gained valuable Development experience at Read Ahead and StoryCorps.

She also serves as Sponsorship Co-Chair for Women in Development NYC and as Fundraising Chair for the Sunblue Sound, which supports emerging South Asian musicians. Tulsi holds a dual degree in Accountancy and Finance with a Spanish minor from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, tennis, and traveling.

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Mary McQuillen is an accomplished development professional with a passion for healthcare philanthropy. As a seasoned fundraiser, she has made significant contributions to renowned organizations, driving revenue growth and fostering lasting relationships with donors.

Mary’s career journey began at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center (MGHCC) in Boston where she honed her skills as development professional, supporting the hospital’s fundraising efforts. Building on her success, Mary transitioned to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) in New York City, where she held progressively senior roles culminating as Senior Associate Director of Advancement. During her tenure, Mary led major gift fundraising initiatives in the Southwestern U.S., consistently exceeding revenue targets and maintaining an impressive donor retention rate. Her ability to articulate a compelling case for support and cultivate meaningful donor relationships made her a key spokesperson for the Foundation.

Following a memorable tenure dedicated to supporting the Parkinson’s community, Mary embarked on a new chapter in 2022 as the Associate Director of Development for NYU Langone Health. In 2025, she was promoted to Director of Development, where she now leads comprehensive fundraising initiatives aimed at catalyzing research breakthroughs, advancing patient care, and ensuring a promising future for the field of medicine.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Mary is deeply committed to community service and has served as a volunteer for the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club, Northeastern University and current serves on the Board of Women in Development New York. Mary graduated from Northeastern University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Originally from the Greater Boston area, she now calls Brooklyn home.

Rachel Maria Stuart is a New York City-based arts professional specialized in fundraising efforts for non-profit arts organizations. She is currently Assistant Development Officer for Leadership Gifts at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she supports the work surrounding Trustee Annual Giving, Trustee Committees meeting preparations, and high-level donor recognition efforts. Previously, she held positions at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Signature Theatre Company, and the American Conservatory Theatre. 

Rachel also currently leads the individual giving fundraising for 3Views on Theater, and serves as co-chair of the Programs Committee for Women In Development, New York (WID). Rachel earned her B.A in Arts & Entertainment Management from Dean College, where her passion grew for the work of funding the arts. In her free time, you can find Rachel at a show at the theatre and ballet, a museum, and traveling to her hometown in Connecticut to visit her family pup Petey.

Join us for WID’s

Monday, November 17, 2025 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

NYU University Development and Alumni Relations

115 5th Ave, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10003