Denay Patterson is the Matthew Shepard Foundation’s Development Officer for Donor Relations and Grant Management. She graduated from Ohio Northern University with a BA in Sociology and Psychology before earning an MA in Philanthropic Studies from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
This educational background sparked a passion for social justice work and led her to the nonprofit field. Before joining the Foundation, Denay worked in fundraising, database management, and research roles at other LGBTQ+ organizations like Family Equality Council and the Gill Foundation. Additionally, she has completed the Elevate leadership program through the Young Nonprofit Professional Network – Denver.
Raised in the Midwest, Denay now lives in Denver with her partner and their cat. She enjoys pub trivia, wine tastings, oolong tea, and bookshops. Contact Denay at denay@matthewshepard.org.