UMD School of Public Policy | Commencement 2024 - Full Ceremony

School of Public Policy Alumna Latanya Mapp ’91 MPM ’95, president and CEO of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, has agreed to be the School’s commencement speaker on May 22.

Mapp took on the role of president and CEO in January 2024. Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors is a global nonprofit that accelerates philanthropy by advising on, providing resources for, and managing over $600 million in annual giving for climate and environment, democracy, gender and racial equity, education, and other issues affecting quality of life.

“Latanya Mapp’s remarkable background and achievements resonate deeply with our mission. From her impactful leadership at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors to her global advocacy for women’s rights, she embodies the spirit of social impact that we instill in our students. Her dedication to philanthropy, human rights and public service serves as an inspiration to us all,” said Robert C. Orr, dean of the School of Public Policy.

Mapp’s background spans diverse sectors, including government, multinational corporations and nonprofits. Prior to becoming president and CEO of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, Mapp served from 2019-2024 as president and CEO of the Global Fund for Women. From 2011-2019, she served as executive director then vice president-global for Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Earlier experience also includes roles as director for USAID and child protection officer for UNICEF. Mapp currently serves as board director for both Oxfam and Management Sciences for Health.

With a lifelong commitment to driving positive change, Mapp reflects, “As long as I can get up and say that I somehow helped move an agenda, put more resources in, changed a policy, amplified a voice – all those things are what keep me motivated to do this work.”

Mapp earned a BA in government and politics, a law degree and an MPM from the University of Maryland.