Angela Wambugu Cobb has over 20 years of experience as a trusted fundraising executive.

She has worked with leading, mission-driven higher education, social justice, international human rights, health and social service organizations.

Throughout her career she has established herself as a strategic planner, program and infrastructure developer, target fundraiser, and determined advocate and partner for the support and advancement of women and marginalized communities.

Angela was appointed as SUNY Old Westbury’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Old Westbury College Foundation, Inc. in December 2022.

In her capacity, she oversees alumni relations, private individual and organizational fundraising for the university, community engagement and program development.

In addition, as the Executive Director of the Old Westbury College Foundation – the university’s private 501(c)(3) organization charged with advancing the mission and strategic goals of SUNY Old Westbury – she leads efforts to support student success, faculty and staff research, strategic initiatives and community service through fundraising and community partnerships.

Working with a volunteer board of trustees including 25 leaders from Long Island and New York City, her work with the Foundation focuses on broadening partnerships for SUNY Old Westbury’s students, faculty and staff.

“My work in higher education has always given me joy. It is not only fulfilling but exciting to be able to have hand in getting students to their academic finish line, and even more, watch them venture on into the career of their dreams. When a first-generation student gets their college degree, they lift their entire family up. It can truly be life changing. So when I partner with staff and faculty on campus, and dedicated individuals and organizations off campus to create scholarships, internship opportunities, or to develop special programs, we are literally make the impossible, possible – many times for entire family.”

Prior to joining SUNY Old Westbury Angela worked in an executive capacity for fourteen years at the City University of New York (CUNY). She served eight years at CUNY’s Bronx Community College as the Assistant Vice President for Development, and six years at CUNY’s LaGuardia Community College as Director of Development.

In those roles she managed alumni relations, grants, special events and most notably, directed both colleges’ private fundraising efforts in support of scholarships, historic preservation, student resources, social justice initiatives, faculty research, study abroad, cultural programming and a host of strategic programs.

In addition, she worked very closely with the colleges’ foundation boards of directors, spearheaded graduation initiatives, created scholarships and endowments, and helped institute leadership and diversity education programs in support of students.

Angela has also served as Assistant Director for Major Gifts at Amnesty International USA, Director of Foundation Relations at St. John’s University, and held multiple roles at the National Hemophilia Foundation.

Angela is a native New Yorker and attained her Master of Arts in Urban Studies from CUNY – Queens College, and her Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies from St. John’s University.

Angela is a native New Yorker and attained her Master of Arts in Urban Studies from CUNY – Queens College, and her Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies from St. John’s University. She resides in Queens, NY with her husband and children.

What are the most significant challenges you have as a woman in your industry?

In my industry, there are few women in leadership roles – even less women of color. Early on I was fortunate to work with women who demonstrated what it meant to be great.  managers and professional fundraisers. However, as I ascended into leadership roles, there were fewer women in my circles who could help me navigate the challenges I faced in spaces traditionally not occupied by women.  Ultimately, I learned to expand my knowledge base, be fearless in my approach to my work, be willing to work in new arenas and forge new relationships, so my work could speak for itself. I look forward to many more talented women to join me the near future.