Dr. Sonaliz (Sony) Morel-Baker is an accomplished fundraising and nonprofit executive with more than 20 years of experience advancing mission-driven organizations in education, youth development, and social justice. She currently serves as Chief Development Officer at Girls Leadership, where she leads the organization’s fundraising, donor engagement, strategic partnerships, and revenue growth efforts to advance its mission and long-term sustainability.
A proud Brooklyn native and the daughter of immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic, Sony has dedicated her career to expanding opportunity and equity for underserved communities. She began her nonprofit career as a founding staff member of Harvey Milk High School at the Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI), the nation’s first fully accredited public high school designed to serve LGBTQ+ youth.
Prior to joining Girls Leadership, Sony served as Senior Director of Development and Marketing at Change Summer and Assistant Vice President of Individual Giving at Peer Health Exchange. She has also held leadership roles at Bank Street College of Education, New Jersey City University, and HMI. Her expertise includes major gifts, annual giving, donor relations, foundation partnerships, grant writing, alumni engagement, strategic communications, and nonprofit leadership.
In addition, Sony is the founder of SMB Empowers, Inc., a consulting firm that helps nonprofit organizations strengthen fundraising programs and build sustainable revenue strategies.
Sony holds a B.A. in Political Science and English Literature from Baruch College, an M.P.A. from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and an Ed.D. in Educational Technology Leadership from New Jersey City University.
She serves on the Board of Helping All Women Transform (H.A.W.T.) Muse, Inc., which supports young women transitioning out of foster care, and on the Board of Futures Ignite, a nonprofit focused on empowering youth through education, leadership development, career readiness, and mentorship.
Sony enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, exploring new cultures, and planning their next family adventure. A passionate advocate for girls and women, she is committed to creating pathways for leadership, education, and economic opportunity that empower the next generation to thrive.
