Nonprofit Exec Naomi Downey on Working With Olivia Rodrigo and More

She once fronted a rock band

Naomi is a global nonprofit executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience in fundraising, communications and strategic partnerships. She currently serves as chief global engagement officer at Jhpiego, a Johns Hopkins–affiliated health organization working in more than 35 countries to advance maternal, newborn and reproductive health. Earlier, Naomi held senior leadership roles at the KIND Foundation/Empatico, the Child Mind Institute, City Harvest, Feeding Westchester and City Parks Foundation. She began her career managing community and VIP engagement at Carnegie Hall.

We spent two minutes with Naomi to learn more about her background, her creative inspirations and recent work she’s admired. 

Naomi, tell us …

Where you grew up, and where you live now.

I grew up in White Plains, N.Y. I happened to move back when I had my second child and currently live a mile from my childhood home.

One of your favorite projects you’ve ever worked on.

Our collaboration with Olivia Rodrigo in the Philippines. She ended up visiting some of our programs and donating the proceeds from her concert in Manila to our organization.

A recent project you’re proud of.

The new jhpiego.org website. It’s amazing. Check it out.

One thing about how health is evolving that you’re excited about.

The intersection between technology and health can provide more services to more people in more places. It has the ability to offer more equity and access in the places that need them the most.

A book, movie, TV show, or podcast you recently found inspiring.

One of my most favorite recent books is When Breath Becomes Air. The way he is able to rationalize and personalize a tragic situation is stunning.

A visual artist or band/musician you admire.

U2 is my favorite band. Ever since I was a kid. It’s never changed.

Your favorite fictional character.

The Giving Tree—he gave everything he had to the one he loved.

Someone worth following on social media.

Gaia Music Collective, an impromptu choir of up to 200 strangers with no professional training that get together in an event space and sing popular songs. I also love the comedian Iliza Schlesinger. She has the perfect mix of hilarity and feminism.

Your main strength as a marketer/creative.

I’m great at coming up with solutions and connecting the dots. I can listen to a room full of ideas and then compile them into one uniform concept.

Your biggest weakness.

Ice cream.

Something people would find surprising about you.

I was a musician for a long time and was the lead singer of a rock band for many years.