Fiesha Lynn Bell
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Director of Development & Major Gifts
Fiesha Lynn Bell is a Hoosier originally from Indianapolis, Indiana. where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Cross Linguistics from Indiana University. Since moving to Milwaukee, Fiesha Lynn has passionately supported the community and its leadership. She is the Director of Development & Major Gifts at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (GMF), one of the country's oldest and largest community foundations. She joined GMF in May of 2019 as the inaugural major gifts officer. Fiesha Lynn was promoted in 2022 to recognize her strategic leadership and now leads the Greater Together Campaign, a $700 million fundraising initiative. Fiesha Lynn is responsible for managing strategic initiatives within the GMF's comprehensive campaign and bringing donors of color and next-generation philanthropists closer to the organization.
Fiesha Lynn began her career in the retail fashion industry in human resources, focusing on talent development and business management. Fiesha Lynn is skilled in building strategic relationships, creating loyalty, and developing talent. Fiesha Lynn is certified as an advisor of color in the 21/64 Advisor of the Color, a training and advancement program that identifies BIPOC professionals and advisors working with philanthropic families, institutions, and individuals. She was also recognized by the Milwaukee Business Journal 40 Under 40 Class of 2021 for her professional accomplishments and commitment to the greater Milwaukee region. Fiesha Lynn received a Certification for Leadership Training from the African American Leadership Program (AALP) hosted by Cardinal Stritch University, a premier leadership program for Milwaukee African American professionals. Fiesha Lynn is also an alumnus of the inaugural class of the civic leadership program Forward48, a program that develops next-generation leaders across Southeastern Wisconsin. Fiesha Lynn was named a 2023 UNCF Milwaukee Mastermind for her focus and commitment to education, philanthropy, & civic engagement.
She has been proud to stand alongside young community leaders as a former Executive Leadership Team member of the Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals. Fiesha Lynn was recognized by the National Urban League of Young Professionals as a Distinguished Young Professional for her volunteerism and commitment to bridging the next generation with current young professionals through educational programming. She is enthusiastic about continuing her passion for learning and building wealth in communities of color and young women. She serves on the Board of the Professional Dimensions Legacy Fund, a leading women's professional association in the Milwaukee area whose mission is to unite women leaders in the relentless pursuit of better. Fiesha also has a passion for arts & culture, newly appointed to serve on the Board of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
Fiesha Lynn is committed to developing and sustaining progress within her community through community engagement and impact-driven philanthropy. She is passionate about the development and success of future leaders within her community. Fiesha Lynn believes everyone can advance with access to quality tools and resources.
When not serving the community through her work with donors and leadership volunteers at GMF, she is volunteering with her sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., affinity groups like Professional Dimensions, and engaging in Tempo Emerging Women Leaders (EWL). Fiesha Lynn also finds time to connect with her Milwaukee "fr-amily" and family in Indianapolis. She is the proud aunt of twelve nieces and two nephews. She enjoys shopping, brunching, spinning, engaging, and connecting with people.