Taylor Ross is an accomplished development professional skilled in non-profit philanthropy, with concentrations in donor-centric relationship and portfolio management as well as event planning and execution.  Her passion for raising funds for worthwhile endeavors is matched by her ability to cultivate meaningful donor connections.

Taylor’s career path leading to development is not a typical one. A graduate of Muhlenberg College with a degree in theater and vocal performance, she frequented the audition circuit, scoring roles in various regional theater productions. Eager for a more secure career, she transitioned to the operations side of theater, landing a fellowship at the renowned The Westport Country Playhouse. It was at the Playhouse that she discovered her affinity for building donor relationships and planning fundraising events.

Transitioning to a larger theater organization, Taylor became the Membership Manager at St. Ann’s Warehouse in New York City. During her tenure there, she doubled her membership portfolio and exceeded the fundraising goal of each of the two galas she was responsible for. As a result of her success and ability to develop relationships, Theatre for a New Audience recruited her to grow their Corporate Giving Program. Shortly after her start, COVID shut down the theater industry, making fundraising for productions a daunting task.

Maximizing her time, Taylor received a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Drexel University and a professional certification in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Fundraising from Northwestern University.

Taylor is currently a Senior Development Executive at UJA Federation of New York, with responsibilities as a fundraiser in the Women’s Philanthropy arena. In this capacity, she creates donor strategies for the organization’s Lion and Ruby donors, serves as liaison to Major Gifts to increase household giving, and manages her own portfolio of donors. She is the event lead for the annual Lion of Judeah Lunch, which attracts over 500 attendees each year.

In addition to her career accomplishments, Taylor is currently president of the Young Women’s Impact Network for the New York City chapter of Jewish Women International, after having served on the Board for the past three years. As active member of WID, Taylor serves on the Young Professional Board. When not engaged in raising funds, she can be found frequenting New York City’s cultural institutions and the Bronx Zoo, as well as live performance events and the lights on Broadway.

Yulia Zhernovaya is a fundraising and digital transformation strategist. As Head of Growth and Strategy at Giveffect, Yulia empowers nonprofits to increase fundraising revenue, streamline operations, and scale their impact through technology implementation and digital transformations.

With over 10 years of international work experience in International Relations, Operations, and Business Strategy, Yulia brings a unique blend of vision, empathy, and execution to her work, helping nonprofits break down silos, embrace innovation, and lead with purpose. At Women In Development, New York (WID), she serves on the Programs and Communications Committees, contributing her strategic thinking and deep commitment to uplifting women in the field.