G l e a u x C o n s u l t i n g

I work with purpose-driven leaders to align people, capital, and culture — crafting strategies, stories, and spaces that spark change and architect legacy.

Behind the Gleaux

Strategic Advisor & Experience Architect
Specializing in Capital Strategy, Impact Philanthropy, Public Affairs, and Inclusive Storytelling

At Gleaux Consulting, strategy meets soul — and capital meets culture. We advise philanthropists, impact investors, and visionary institutions and organizations on how to align resources with purpose, designing strategies, stories, and experiences that move money with meaning and unlock long-term change.

Whether you're looking to activate trust in new communities, engage high-net-worth donors and family offices, or design catalytic convenings that influence capital flow and deepen impact, we help you align people, power, and purpose — with clarity and care.

We specialize in the space between — where philanthropy meets investment, where story meets system, and where magic meets measurable outcomes — translating vision into movement and strategy into legacy.

Let’s Gleaux.
Capital-conscious strategy. Legacy-minded storytelling. Trust-built transformation.

  • Strategic Advisor. Experience Architect. Fairy Godmother of Purposeful Capital & Culture.

    I work at the intersection of capital, storytelling, and culture — a strategist, connector, and architect of legacy who brings the right people, power, and purpose together to unlock access and shift systems. Think fairy godmother meets chief of staff — I don’t just advise, I design movements, build ecosystems, and steward capital toward missions that matter.

    With 15+ years spanning philanthropy, DEIB, venture philanthropy, and public affairs, I specialize in turning bold ideas into bold action. I’ve raised millions, secured cross-sector partnerships, produced national events, shaped global cross-cultural narratives, been published in Forbes, and led campaigns that mobilize funding and elevate equity-centered impact.

    Whether supporting LP and donor engagement, founder-facing storytelling, or internal alignment for high-net-worth families and mission-aligned firms — I help capital show up clearly, courageously, and with intention. Let’s move the money and the message forward — with magic, velocity, and heart.

    Geaux with the Fleaux.
    Because capital follows culture — and magic is in the movement.

Let’s Gleaux Together

This isn’t just about strategy — it’s about soul, systems, and scale. I work with bold leaders to design experiences and movements that don’t just shine — they gleaux.

Experiences that build trust, unlock access, and catalyze capital — crafted with intention and impact.

From emerging market forums to philanthropic summits, I craft events that do more than convene — they catalyze. Each experience is designed to align capital with community, connect people with purpose, and leave a lasting impression that turns storytelling into strategy. Whether it’s a DEIB-centered convening, an investor retreat, or a bold community activation, I bring precision, heart, and just enough sparkle to ensure your event isn’t just memorable — it’s meaningful.

Strategic Events & Experience Design

Moving money with meaning — at the intersection of story, strategy, and systems.

Philanthropy is evolving — and so is the way we give, invest, and grow impact. I work with institutions, advisors, and changemakers to align capital with intention, crafting development strategies that blend heart with high-level strategy. From designing major donor engagement journeys to navigating the shift toward impact investing, I help mission-driven teams build trust-based partnerships that don’t just raise funds — they reshape futures.

Philanthropic Strategy & Capital Alignment

Public Affairs & Community Capital

Building trust across sectors to move capital where it matters most.

I specialize in the relationship architecture that enables capital to land with integrity. Through advocacy, coalition-building, and civic engagement strategies, I help institutions build trust with communities, bridge cultural gaps, and authentically position themselves as partners in inclusive growth. Whether engaging grassroots voices or stewarding relationships with local leaders, I ensure your initiatives don’t just show up — they show alignment.

The Gleauxcase

Welcome to The Gleauxcase — a curated collection of my most resonant contributions across thought leadership, storytelling, and strategic transformation.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • Gleaux – published insights and writing that illuminate where capital, culture, and community converge.

  • Greaux – powerful talks and conversations that spark connection and seed collaboration.

  • Fleaux – special projects and strategic work that bring vision to life — with clarity, purpose, and a touch of magic.

Each piece is a testament to what’s possible when imagination meets intention, and when strategy is grounded in equity, trust, and transformative outcomes. Because when we align purpose with power — it all just... gleauxs.

Stand Out. Gleaux On.

  • — Elizabeth “Betsy” Carswell, President of the Board, Golden Crown Literary Society

    It was an absolute pleasure to collaborate with her, and we are grateful for the lasting impact she has made.

    “Working with Jade has been an experience unlike any other. Her wisdom, guidance, and genuine ability to meet people where they are — regardless of background or experience — is truly remarkable and extends far beyond her years. Her partnership with the Golden Crown Literary Society not only enriched our DEI and leadership training but also brought deep insight that helped us restructure our board and organization with greater clarity and purpose.”
    — Elizabeth “Betsy” Carswell, President of the Board, Golden Crown Literary Society

  • “Calm in the chaos, magic in the method.”

    "Jade is a visionary systems thinker with the rare ability to lead with both heart and precision. During our three years together at SecondMuse, she was not only a trusted colleague but also a fierce collaborator and friend — someone who brought calm clarity to every room she entered. Whether redesigning organizational structures or orchestrating complex events, Jade consistently infused our work with empathy, intention, and brilliance beyond her years. Her leadership is rooted in equity, and her presence leaves organizations better, stronger, and more human."
    — Leslie Lynn Smith, President & CEO, Charlottesville Area Community Foundation

  • "Her wisdom continues to shape the way I lead."

    "Jade embodies the power of graceful resilience. Her ability to ‘fail forward’ isn’t just a personal strength—it’s a transformative leadership tool. Through our collaborations and conversations, especially in my community in Fort Myers, she’s shown me how embracing failure can lead to deeper clarity, strategic insight, and personal growth. Jade doesn’t just talk about evolution—she lives it. Having her speak to my community has been an honor."
    — Jason Teeters, CEO, JetSetState & Lewis Latimer Fellow

  • “Designing systems that honor the full spectrum of people.”

    "Working with Jade was a masterclass in human-centered leadership. She has an unmatched ability to meet people exactly where they are—whether guiding executives through change or supporting team members behind the scenes. At SecondMuse, we co-created people systems that truly honored the whole human, and Jade brought care, clarity, and intentionality to every plan. No detail was too small, no vision too big. Her work left a lasting imprint on our culture."
    — Megan Hovious, Founder, Here*

  • “This wasn’t just a podcast—it was a reckoning wrapped in joy.”

    "Being in conversation with Mide and the brilliant voices on Giving Black was a sacred moment of truth-telling, hope-holding, and deep resonance. We spoke from the marrow of our experiences—navigating systems not built for us, choosing to move out in order to move up, and reimagining belonging on our own terms. That episode wasn’t just a conversation—it was a declaration of power, possibility, and purpose. I left reminded that we are the architects of our own gleaux."
    — Jade Nikolaou, Strategic Advisor & Experience Architect, Gleaux Consulting

  • "Dependable, dynamic, and delightfully driven"

    “I had the pleasure of collaborating with Jade on several initiatives between LinkedIn and the Tahirih Justice Center. Jade is dependable, confident, and genuinely fun to work with. Her proactive communication made every collaboration seamless and stress-free. I was especially impressed by her creative adaptability and determination when the COVID pandemic hit, navigating uncertainty with quick decisions and clear communication during Tahirih Bay Area’s annual benefit. Anyone would be lucky to work with Jade — I look forward to future opportunities to collaborate.”
    — Nikka Gahlili, LinkedIn Software Engineer

  • “Jade doesn’t just speak—she uplifts, redefines, and reclaims.”

    "Jade brings a rare alchemy of brilliance, warmth, and unapologetic truth-telling to every space she enters. As a panelist on the 2023 Giving Black conference, her insights struck chords across continents. The following year, our community asked for more—and we listened. As co-host in 2024, Jade didn't just guide the conversation, she elevated it. She is a connector of hearts and minds, a steward of Black generosity, and a beacon for the future of philanthropy. Her presence reshaped the rhythm of the conference and reminded us all what it looks like to lead with both power and grace."
    — Mide Akerewusi, Founder & CEO, AgentsC

  • — Dwight Moxie, General Counsel, Revance Therapeutics (Former)

    "The experience sparked conversations that continued long after the engagement ended and left a lasting imprint on our team."

    “Working with Jade was beyond what I could have imagined. The DEI facilitation didn’t just meet the moment — it transformed the way I approach compliance, leadership, and culture across the organization.”
    — Dwight Moxie, General Counsel, Revance Therapeutics

  • "Leadership that lights the way—no matter the obstacles."

    “Jade is a leader of warmth, intelligence, and energy, with a fierce proficiency and determination to drive projects to successful completion—no matter the roadblock or obstacle. It was an honor to work with her on producing an amazing campaign video at Legal Momentum.”

    — Siobhan Sam Bennett, Project Manager, Legal Momentum

  • “Calm under pressure, leading with grace and grit.”

    “Thrown into the fire during her working interview, she flew to the event and demonstrated exceptional skill handling a complex venue. Jade did a terrific job and was quickly hired full-time. Her ‘can do’ attitude is truly admirable — nothing phases her. She showed strong leadership and an impressive ability to work with challenging personalities. Simply put, she was a rock star.”
    — Kathy Gallegos, Accountant, RG & Associates

  • “Leadership rooted in empathy, equity, and excellence.”

    "Innovative and unafraid to get into the weeds without overstepping or micromanaging, Jade has everything you want in a leader, colleague, and friend. I had the enormous pleasure of working under her leadership at the Tahirih Justice Center. Her collaborative and direct approach to goal-setting was exactly what our field office needed. Jade skillfully managed a diverse portfolio of donors, foundations, and individual giving, all while orchestrating large-scale fundraising events. If you're looking for a natural leader with equitability and inclusivity built into her DNA, you've found it with Jade."
    — Piyu Sen, Volunteer Manager, Tahirih Justice Center