Molly Baltman-Leonard

Throughout my career, I’ve been dedicated to creating impactful, sustainable solutions that address systemic inequities and support disinvested communities. With over two decades in the social impact sector, I’ve worked across diverse areas, including community and economic development, family systems, innovative ownership models, and evaluation. My work is grounded in the belief that lasting change is achieved through thoughtful, strategic collaboration.

With expertise in private and corporate philanthropy, state government, nonprofit leadership, and as a practitioner, I’ve designed and implemented programmatic strategies to create economic opportunity and empowerment. I’ve launched funder collaboratives, built cross-sector partnerships, and developed creative approaches to using philanthropic tools to remove barriers to capital access. My career reflects the power of collective action in driving meaningful, lasting change.

I was drawn to the RLD Foundation because its core values of learning, humility, and partnership closely align with my own, and I believe these values are fundamental to effective philanthropy. The power imbalance that often exists between foundations and the organizations seeking resources can create barriers to true collaboration, even when both share common goals. By openly addressing this dynamic, we can foster stronger, more equitable partnerships that lead to greater impact.

In my role, I am committed to embodying this philosophy by prioritizing active listening and learning through partnerships, using both qualitative and quantitative data as critical drivers of decision-making, and integrating reflection and evaluation to continuously improve our approach.

Our goals will continue to evolve as we engage with and learn from the communities we serve. We recognize that systemic inequities have precipitated profound disparities in economic mobility and health, particularly for families living in historically disinvested communities.

Concurrently, we acknowledge the inherent resilience, strength, and agency of families. This understanding will serve as the cornerstone for shaping our strategies moving forward. Our efforts will be concentrated on identifying and addressing the systemic barriers that impede family well-being, with particular emphasis on critical domains such as housing, education, workforce development, and healthcare—key determinants of family stability and socioeconomic opportunity.

Families in the Chicagoland area face a range of challenges shaped by systemic inequities, economic conditions, and social factors. The ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated these issues, deepening inequalities in healthcare, education, and employment, and making recovery more difficult for vulnerable families.

Key challenges include limited access to quality jobs, affordable and secure housing, quality childcare, healthcare and mental health support, and social connectedness.

Both qualitative and quantitative data will be essential in informing our efforts across programmatic areas. I am particularly enthused by the RLD Foundation’s commitment to prioritizing data and learning from the outset. This strategic focus will help cultivate a robust culture of learning, enable ongoing reflection, and facilitate iterative improvements that enhance our work overtime.

I have seven-year-old twins who bring both energy and joy to my life. Outside of work, I am actively involved in my neighborhood school and community, contributing to efforts that support the broader Chicago area and help drive positive change across the city.