Leah Westwater
Columbus
Summary
Experienced community builder and leader with a proven track record in entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Founded two successful yoga studios and the GIVE Yoga Fund, which has raised over $100,000 for nonprofit organizations. Expertise in strategic planning, market analysis, financial management and business model innovation to empower future wellness industry leaders. Committed to inspiring young entrepreneurs and fostering sustainable community initiatives.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Founder + CEO
GIVE Yoga
Columbus
05.2015 - Current
- Founded two successful wellness studios and a community fund dedicated to providing yoga to all, regardless of age, ability, or financial means.
- Leads all aspects of the organization, including brand, program and leadership development, and engages in the ongoing assessment of financial performance, budgets, expenditures and growth initiatives.
- Cultivates business partnerships and relationships with outside organizations; negotiates contracts with vendors; establishes policies and procedures that promote a productive and ethical work environment.
- Leads numerous programs aimed at supporting people in creating a regular meditation, yoga, and mindfulness practice.
- GIVE Yoga employs over 25 teachers, offers more than 80 classes weekly through its studios and outreach efforts, hosts over 100,000 visits annually, has trained more than 200 yoga teachers, and offers international retreats, wellness programming, and education.
Founder + Director
GIVE Yoga Fund
Columbus
01.2017 - Current
- Founded at the Columbus Foundation to serve as the philanthropic arm of GIVE Yoga.
- Builds strategic and empowering relationships with key nonprofits and community partners through financial support, and serves as a platform to raise awareness and educate the greater community.
- To date, the GIVE Yoga Fund has contributed over $100,000 of support to organizations in sectors such as Education, Food and Nutrition, Housing, Environment, Health, and Social Services.
Grants Management Specialist
The Columbus Foundation
Columbus
04.2010 - 06.2010
- Analyzed financial data from grantees to ensure proper use of funds according to program guidelines.
- Conducted site visits to evaluate potential grant recipients' capabilities and compliance with applicable regulations.
- Assessed applicants' qualifications in terms of experience, resources, objectives, and evaluation plans.
- Provided technical assistance to potential grantees on how to complete the application process.
- Participated in meetings with team members and external partners to ensure successful implementation of programs.
Project Manager & Marketing Director
Daegis Inc.
San Francisco
05.2005 - 05.2009
- Managed USA-based sales team and developed and maintained project plans, timelines, digital assets and budgets for the entire organization.
- Monitored progress of each project to ensure timely execution of deliverables in accordance with applicable contracts and established quality standards.
- Created and implemented processes to ensure successful completion of projects.
- Implemented effective communication protocols between internal teams working on different aspects of a given project.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive marketing strategy to increase brand awareness.
- Alongside the CEO and senior management team, I contributed to packaging the company to eventually be acquired by private equity.
Education
Bachelor Degree - Rhetoric
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA05-2003
Certificate of Nonprofit Management -
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH04-2010
Skills
- Financial management
- Strategic planning
- Program development
- Project management
- Community outreach
- Brand development
Outreach + Philanthropy
- Crane Group | Crane Family Foundation Member & Crane Family Council Member (2007-Present)
- Nationwide Children's Hospital | TWIG 3 Member (2012-Present)
- Planned Parenthood | Centennial Gala Speaker (alongside Gloria Steinem (2017)
- OhioHealth | Grant Hospital Development Board Member (2010–2016)
- Local Matters | Host Committee Member & Community Partner
- The Women's Fund | Grant Reader
- Fundraised $100,000 from the Crane Family Foundation for the International Rescue Committee for Ebola relief in Liberia
- Fundraised $100,000 to support a local family whose 4-year-old child was diagnosed with leukemia
Certification
- E-RYT 500-Hour and YACEP Certified Yoga Teacher
- Tier III 1,200-Hour Certified Baptiste Power Yoga Leader
- Graduate of the Baptiste Institute’s FIT to Lead training
Accomplishments
- lululemon Ambassador: Selected twice as a lululemon Ambassador for Columbus, Ohio. My pictures were displayed on the walls of all three stores in the Central Ohio region. lululemon created this program to support people who inspire them. Lululemon ambassadors are inspiring leaders, storytellers, and doers from around the world They are influencers in their local communities who are passionate, both about their sport and about elevating the world from mediocrity to greatness.
- lululemon Here to Be Partner: Selected twice as lululemon Columbus’ Here-to-Be Partner, a community-based social impact program to create access to the healing benefits of yoga in communities that routinely experience chronic stress as a result of trauma, illness, socioeconomic status, or ongoing adversity.
- Profiled in Columbus Underground
- Profiled in Clintonville Spotlight
Timeline
Founder + Director
GIVE Yoga Fund
01.2017 - Current
Founder + CEO
GIVE Yoga
05.2015 - Current
Grants Management Specialist
The Columbus Foundation
04.2010 - 06.2010
Project Manager & Marketing Director
Daegis Inc.
05.2005 - 05.2009
Bachelor Degree - Rhetoric
University of California, Berkeley
Certificate of Nonprofit Management -
The Ohio State University