Isabella Frueh
Isabella Frueh is a data-forward nonprofit leader and philanthropy professional based in Cincinnati, Ohio, with over 18 years of experience driving impact in the nonprofit sector. Currently, she serves as Manager of Nonprofit Services at Ignite Philanthropy and as a consultant at Think – IF, LLC, where she supports organizations in fundraising, grant-making, and strategic growth. In addition, she volunteers as President of Community Shares of Greater Cincinnati, leading a coalition of social-justice-aligned member organizations to strengthen local community initiatives.
Throughout her career, Isabella has specialized in philanthropy consulting, nonprofit fundraising, grant-making, community resource coordination, and early childhood education advocacy. Her work is informed by deep community connections, having lived across multiple neighborhoods in Cincinnati, and a commitment to elevating underrepresented voices, particularly those of early childhood educators. She combines strategic thinking with a focus on collaboration and equity, ensuring that philanthropic resources are directed where they are most needed and can achieve the greatest impact.
Isabella holds a Master of Arts with Distinction in International Child Studies from King’s College London and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati. She actively contributes to the nonprofit field through advisory roles with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and Public Allies Cincinnati. Known for her drive to learn, her community-centered approach, and her ability to hold multiple perspectives simultaneously, Isabella continues to champion equitable access to resources, capacity-building for nonprofits, and systemic change within philanthropy.
• Master of Arts (MA)
• Bachelor of Science (BS), Psychology
• King’s College London – Master of Arts (MA), International Child Studies, with Distinction
• University of Cincinnati – Bachelor of Science (BS), Psychology
• Influential Women 2026
• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – Advisory Council Member
• Public Allies Cincinnati – Advisory Board Member
• President of Community Shares of Greater Cincinnati
• Advisory Council member for National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
• Founding member and Advisory Board member of Public Allies Cincinnati
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a sustained drive to learn and a deep commitment to my local community. Having lived in ten different neighborhoods within Cincinnati, I have developed extensive connections and a strong understanding of community needs. This foundation allows me to connect philanthropy with nonprofits effectively, elevating the voices of marginalized groups, particularly early childhood educators, and ensuring resources reach those who need them most.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage women to see themselves in philanthropy. Use your lived experience, emotional intelligence, and confidence to advocate for both communities and yourself. Philanthropy is still largely dominated by men, but there is enormous power to drive change and direct resources to underinvested communities. Now is a critical moment for women to step into decision-making roles and shape the future of philanthropic giving.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is navigating broken systems that require careful resource direction and often take an emotional toll. The greatest opportunity lies in the large transfer of wealth from older generations, which can open doors for new leaders—particularly women—to influence philanthropic priorities and direct resources to historically underfunded communities.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Continual learning, community-centered equity and advocacy, elevating marginalized voices, and practicing dialectical thinking—holding multiple truths simultaneously—are the values I prioritize both professionally and personally.