At The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., our mission is clear: to create meaningful employment opportunities and community connections for people who are blind, DeafBlind, or blind with other disabilities. A crucial part of fulfilling this mission is the guidance and support we receive from our Foundation Board of Directors, who provide expertise, fundraising leadership, and community advocacy.
This past year, the Foundation Board has been enriched by four incredible new members: Aditi Shah, Rachel Grossman-Kahn, Jennifer Karr-Lee, and Faye Green. Each of these leaders brings unique strengths that align perfectly with our goals of accessibility, innovation, and long-term sustainability.
In this post, we’ll introduce each new board member, explore their background, and share what they bring to The Lighthouse Foundation Board.
Why the Foundation Board Matters
The Foundation Board plays a critical role in supporting The Lighthouse’s financial health and mission impact. By connecting with donors, community partners, and business leaders, the board ensures that our programs continue to grow and reach more people.
Over the years, the board has been instrumental in:
- Securing funding for innovative programs that empower people with vision and hearing loss.
- Expanding partnerships with businesses and community organizations.
- Raising awareness about accessibility and inclusion across industries.
- Strengthening sustainability by ensuring a healthy endowment and long-term financial planning.
With four new leaders stepping into these responsibilities, we’re entering an exciting chapter of growth.
Meet the New Board Members
Aditi Shah: Cybersecurity Innovator & STEM Inclusion Advocate
Aditi Shah is a cybersecurity and machine learning researcher at Microsoft, where she works at the cutting edge of automation and AI-driven security. Holding a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity from Georgia Tech, Aditi brings a wealth of knowledge about protecting systems, building resilient technologies, and advancing digital safety.
Her passion extends beyond technology — she is a vocal advocate for diversity in STEM, especially increasing representation of women and people with disabilities. Aditi has shared her expertise at conferences and has mentored students entering cybersecurity fields.
What she brings to the Lighthouse Foundation Board:
- Expertise in emerging technology and digital resilience.
- Commitment to ensuring equitable access to STEM education.
- A fresh perspective on how technology can support accessibility.
Rachel Grossman-Kahn: Accessibility UX Designer & DeafBlind Advocate
With a decade of experience as a sign language and DeafBlind interpreter, Rachel Grossman-Kahn has lived and worked at the intersection of accessibility and technology. Currently an Accessibility UX Designer at Best Buy, she ensures that digital products are usable and inclusive for people with diverse needs.
Rachel holds degrees in UX Design, Visual Arts, and ASL Interpreting. Her ability to blend design thinking with deep cultural competency makes her a valuable asset to our board.
What she brings to the Lighthouse Foundation Board:
- Firsthand experience in bridging communication barriers.
- Expertise in accessible product design and usability.
- Dedication to advancing inclusive digital strategies for nonprofit growth.
Jennifer Karr-Lee: Strategic Leader & Culture Builder
Jennifer Karr-Lee offers more than 20 years of leadership experience across frontline and corporate environments. Her professional background includes guiding employee engagement initiatives, shaping organizational culture, and aligning strategies for long-term impact. She holds a Master’s in Counseling Psychology, which informs her people-centered approach to leadership.
Jennifer is passionate about creating spaces where employees and stakeholders feel engaged, supported, and connected to mission.
What she brings to the Lighthouse Foundation Board:
- Proven experience in organizational strategy and leadership development.
- A people-first approach to engagement and culture.
- Insight into scaling nonprofit initiatives with measurable impact.
Faye Green: Development Professional & Former Lighthouse Staff Member
Faye Green has a long history with The Lighthouse, having served as a Development Associate from 2018 to 2022. She now works as Corporate Relations Officer at Treehouse, managing donor relations, volunteer programs, and corporate partnerships.
With more than 7 years in nonprofit fundraising and communications, Faye brings a unique blend of insider knowledge and external perspective. Her ability to connect with donors, steward relationships, and organize successful events will be invaluable.
What she brings to the Lighthouse Foundation Board:
- Deep knowledge of fundraising and donor engagement.
- Firsthand understanding of Lighthouse’s mission and community.
- A strong track record of building corporate and community partnerships.
The Impact of Diverse Expertise
By welcoming these four new members, the Foundation Board is gaining:
- Technological expertise to guide digital innovation.
- Accessibility leadership to ensure programs are inclusive.
- Strategic vision to support organizational culture.
- Fundraising power to secure long-term sustainability.
Together, this diverse group strengthens the board’s ability to expand Lighthouse’s reach, influence, and impact for years to come.
Looking Ahead
As The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. continues to grow, the guidance of the Foundation Board will be critical. We are proud to welcome Aditi Shah, Rachel Grossman-Kahn, Jennifer Karr-Lee, and Faye Green into leadership roles and are excited to see how their contributions will shape the future of our mission.
To learn more about our Foundation Board or explore opportunities to support, visit our Foundation Board page. https://lhblind.org/give-and-volunteer/foundation-board-of-directors-information-and-application/