Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker has dedicated her career to improving lives through civic service. Her leadership experience has centered on leading collaborative efforts to solve the most critical problems facing communities. She is a nationally recognized spokeswoman on a range of issues including strategic philanthropy, community service and cultural diversity.
Clotilde has led numerous public/private sector partnerships focused on systemic change. These efforts have addressed issues such as school readiness, post-secondary attainment, lead-poisoning prevention, capacity building for arts organizations, safety for victims of domestic violence and environmental stewardship. Most recently, Clotilde launched the Say Yes to Education initiative to drive education reform in the urban core of the Western New York region. She is the founder of the Literacy Funders Network, a national coalition of foundations dedicated to improving literacy in America.

Other service highlights include a White House appointment to the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, U.S. Committee co-chair of the United Nations International Year of the Volunteer and president of the Association of Junior Leagues International. Clotilde has served on many national and local boards including the National Women’s Hall of Fame (president), Mayoral Council on Hispanic issues (chair), John R. Oishei Foundation, and The National Federation for Just Communities (vice-chair). Current service includes chair of CFLeads, board member of The Foundation Center and the New York State Attorney General Leadership Council for Nonprofit Revitalization.

Clotilde’s work has been recognized by many including the Points of Light Foundation, the Governor’s Award for Service and the President’s Award for Service. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from the State University of New York at Buffalo and is a naturalized U.S. citizen, native of Cuba.