NextGen Thriving Expands Leadership Team
NextGen Thriving welcomes W.K. Kellogg Foundation Executive VP and Head of Technology & Integrated Services Sarah Takatani to its Board of Directors and appoints Emily Mallozzi as COO, signaling a significant step in its mission to empower historically marginalized youth.
NextGen Thriving is excited to announce two significant updates to its Board and leadership team. These changes come as part of the foundation’s commitment to enhancing its impact and building a better world by developing responsible and economically empowered youth.
W.K. Kellogg Foundation Executive VP and Head of Technology & Integrated Services Sarah Takatani Joins Board of Directors
NextGen Thriving is thrilled to welcome change agent and transformational leader Sarah Takatani, Executive VP and Head of Technology & Integrated Services of W.K. Kellogg Foundation to its Board of Directors. Sarah has an impressive non-profit track record. As the Chief Digital Cookie Officer at Girl Scouts of the USA, Sarah took the $860 million Girl Scout Cookie Program digital for 1.8 million girls. Her launch of the “Digital Cookie” garnered 4 billion media impressions with Sarah quoted in the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and more, as well as recognitions that included a place in Fast Company’s Top 10 Most Innovative Nonprofits.
Following Girl Scouts, Sarah led multiple non-profit transformations as CIO, including Year Up to empower nearly 5,000 young adults each year to reach their potential through careers and higher education, and Save the Children to make a difference in over 197 million children’s lives annually. During this time, she was recognized as CIO of the Year by InspireCIO for human-centered design and data-driven outcomes. She also spent 17 years at IBM in various executive, technology development, and diversity-focused positions.
“We are delighted to have Sarah join our Board,” said Richard Ricks, Founder of NextGen Thriving and Founder and CEO of Silver Tree Consulting & Services. “Sarah’s experience, knowledge, and passion for delivering social impact at scale will be essential in shaping the foundation’s strategic direction and advancing its mission as we continue to drive NextGen Thriving forward and make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.”
Emily Mallozzi Joins as Chief Operating Officer
In addition, Emily Mallozzi takes on the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) of NextGen Thriving. Emily started as a volunteer COO in early 2024. She recently joined in an official capacity to oversee the foundation’s daily operations and ensure its work aligns with its strategic goals and mission.
Emily is an accomplished systems thinker, teambuilder, and a resilient leader with more than 15 years of experience in operations and organizational development. She has proven success in translating high-level vision and program strategies into actionable requirements for innovative tech-enabled solutions.
Emily has spent her career working for mission-driven organizations cultivating a passion for aligning people, processes and tools to make an organization thrive. She is adept at optimizing processes, facilitating change initiatives, leading high-functioning teams, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
“Emily brings exceptional leadership and dedication to the role,” said Ricks. “Her deep understanding of our organization and commitment to our mission will be instrumental in driving our operational excellence and achieving our strategic goals.”
Follow NextGen Thriving on LinkedIn for more exciting updates on how the organization is empowering historically marginalized youth by equipping them with job-related skills and expanding their horizons through new training opportunities.