This month, IWF-DC is honored to spotlight Makeba Clay, a member whose life and leadership embody crossing both literal and figurative boundaries. Named after South African singer and human rights activist Miriam Makeba, she has built a global career at the intersection of leadership, culture, and social impact--living, working, and traveling in more than ninety countries while serving as an organizational strategist, changemaker, executive coach, facilitator, and consultant.
Q&A with Makeba Clay
Q: Tell us about your background and where you currently work.
Crossing literal and figurative boundaries has always been a part of my DNA. Named by my late father after Miriam Makeba, South African folk singer and human rights activist, my passion for cultivating and scaling personal and organizational leadership has led me to live, work, and travel to over ninety countries and all but five US states, serving as an organizational strategist, changemaker, executive coach, facilitator, and consultant.
I currently serve as the Vice President for organizational culture and engagement at The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Pew Research Center, leading efforts to foster a more cohesive and inclusive environment that helps employees thrive and build common ground with cross-sector stakeholders in a non-partisan environment. My work helps inform Pew's vision, programs, policies, partnerships, and communications; encourages professional development and continuous learning from colleagues and partners; increases understanding of Pew's mission and values; and fosters respectful, collaborative, and transparent relationships. As a member of the executive team, I work closely with other leaders across the organization, including the CEO, CFO, board of trustees, general counsel, human resources, and others, to promote and empower leaders, build inclusive communities, and drive global progress across over 40 issue areas.
Before joining Pew, I worked for two decades with leaders from government, nonprofits, and educational institutions, including Princeton University, the University of Maryland, and the Smithsonian Institution--to develop strategies that build and sustain an inclusive workforce, drive organizational culture change, and create sustainable partnerships. I came from the Phillips Collection, where I was the first chief diversity officer--a position without precedent among American art museums. During my time at Phillips, I helped shape a comprehensive strategy across its staff, board, partnerships, programs, and policies to increase mutual understanding and inclusion with other members of the leadership team in the lead-up to the 100th anniversary. In 2022, under the leadership of IWF member Dr. Dorothy Kosinski, The Phillips Collection endowed a half-million-dollar gift to establish the Makeba Clay Diversity Fellowship to expand access and opportunities for early-career professionals of color who aspire to work in the museum field.
I serve on numerous boards and advisory councils. I am actively engaged in civic efforts through the Silver Spring Chapter of The Links, Inc. and the Montgomery County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In my spare time, I serve as a chaplain and community mediator. Over the years, I've helped develop and scale strategies for schools, faith centers, outreach centers, and agricultural organizations in developing countries. I currently live in Silver Spring, Maryland, with my curious, compassionate, and creative 13-year-old daughter, Natasha; together, we enjoy the arts, culture, and travel.
Q: How long have you been an IWF member?
I became an IWF member in 2020 and was sponsored by one of my mentors and a dear friend of over two decades, the Honorable Lauri Fitz-Pegado.
Q: How has your career benefited from being an IWF member?
Since joining the International Women's Forum in 2023, I've begun cultivating a trusted, cross-sector global network of women who have helped open opportunities for peer exchange, deep-dive learning, mentorship, and collaboration, strengthening my work to build inclusive cultures at Pew and across sectors.
Q: What excites you the most right now?
Witnessing my 13-year-old daughter, Natasha, navigate life as a self-proclaimed "fashionista," "foodie," and volleyball player. She's an imaginative, compassionate, emerging leader with an entrepreneurial spirit. By age 11, she had already launched two micro businesses, developed a fundraising campaign to support an elementary school in Ghana, and last year she delivered a keynote address to an audience of 500 people. She gives me hope about our future generation.
Q: What are you reading or listening to?
I just finished reading Joy Goddess: A'Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance, a biography of A'Lelia Walker, daughter of Madam C.J. Walker, who was also a notable figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Written by her great-granddaughter, A'Lelia Bundles, the book explores A'Lelia's life as a cultural icon, entrepreneur, and patron of the arts. She became one of America's first prominent Black heiresses. She hosted legendary salons that brought together iconic figures such as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Paul Robeson, and W.E.B. Du Bois. The biography highlights A'Lelia's vibrant personality and her role in shaping African American history and culture during the early 20th century. It offers a layered portrait of a woman navigating life as a mother, entrepreneur, and cultural leader, beyond the shadow of her famous mother's legacy.
A'Lelia Walker's story is a powerful parallel for executive women in the IWF today. Like Walker, IWF members are often at the intersection of legacy, leadership, and cultural transformation. Walker's ability to create inclusive spaces for dialogue, innovation, and the celebration of diverse voices mirrors IWF's mission: to foster authentic relationships, empower women leaders, and drive systemic change across sectors.
Q: Any tips or advice for new members?
When I became a new member, I was a bit overwhelmed (and excited) by all that IWF has to offer. That said, I took a 30,000-foot scan of the landscape and decided to invest time in IWF's stimulating learning programs, conferences, and workshops. Simultaneously, I began seeking opportunities to build authentic relationships and found creative ways to collaborate with several of my IWF sisters--both within the organization and beyond.
I would encourage new members to get involved at the early stage of membership; know your why, clarify your purpose for participation, and hone in on a plan of action for engagement, perhaps reviewing and revising it on a quarterly or annual basis. There are so many options--choose your own adventure!
Q: What do you like most about being a member?
There's so much that I enjoy being a member of IWF! What stands out most is the fantastic opportunity to share and learn from brilliant, talented, and resourceful women across a variety of sectors and around the world. And of course, my list of favorite things would be incomplete if I omitted the world-famous "Behind the Scenes Events" and the thoughtfully curated and engaging "Dine Arounds."
Q: Who inspires you?
In 2025, my oldest relative, my grandmother, Rev. Susie Mae Simon, passed away peacefully at home at 103 years old. She grew up in the Deep South, was twice orphaned, and lived in the wake of racial violence and domestic terror. Yet she found her purpose in life: to pour into the lives of many over 5 decades as a minister, mentor, trusted advisor, and friend to her community. She outlived seven of her thirteen children, planted five ministries in Upstate New York, and was loved by many. It was an honor to officiate at her life celebration in August of this year; a life well lived.
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
I enjoy reading, exploring visual and performing arts events, and roaming botanical gardens.
Q: Favorite place you've traveled to?
I've traveled to so many fascinating places, and I'd have to say that my top five destinations are Greece, Ghana, Spain, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish before the end of 2025?
Following a year marked by rapid, disruptive change and stress, I hope to develop and implement a comprehensive well-being program for myself centered on mindfulness and rest.
Q&A with Makeba Clay
Q: Tell us about your background and where you currently work.
Crossing literal and figurative boundaries has always been a part of my DNA. Named by my late father after Miriam Makeba, South African folk singer and human rights activist, my passion for cultivating and scaling personal and organizational leadership has led me to live, work, and travel to over ninety countries and all but five US states, serving as an organizational strategist, changemaker, executive coach, facilitator, and consultant.
I currently serve as the Vice President for organizational culture and engagement at The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Pew Research Center, leading efforts to foster a more cohesive and inclusive environment that helps employees thrive and build common ground with cross-sector stakeholders in a non-partisan environment. My work helps inform Pew's vision, programs, policies, partnerships, and communications; encourages professional development and continuous learning from colleagues and partners; increases understanding of Pew's mission and values; and fosters respectful, collaborative, and transparent relationships. As a member of the executive team, I work closely with other leaders across the organization, including the CEO, CFO, board of trustees, general counsel, human resources, and others, to promote and empower leaders, build inclusive communities, and drive global progress across over 40 issue areas.
Before joining Pew, I worked for two decades with leaders from government, nonprofits, and educational institutions, including Princeton University, the University of Maryland, and the Smithsonian Institution--to develop strategies that build and sustain an inclusive workforce, drive organizational culture change, and create sustainable partnerships. I came from the Phillips Collection, where I was the first chief diversity officer--a position without precedent among American art museums. During my time at Phillips, I helped shape a comprehensive strategy across its staff, board, partnerships, programs, and policies to increase mutual understanding and inclusion with other members of the leadership team in the lead-up to the 100th anniversary. In 2022, under the leadership of IWF member Dr. Dorothy Kosinski, The Phillips Collection endowed a half-million-dollar gift to establish the Makeba Clay Diversity Fellowship to expand access and opportunities for early-career professionals of color who aspire to work in the museum field.
I serve on numerous boards and advisory councils. I am actively engaged in civic efforts through the Silver Spring Chapter of The Links, Inc. and the Montgomery County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In my spare time, I serve as a chaplain and community mediator. Over the years, I've helped develop and scale strategies for schools, faith centers, outreach centers, and agricultural organizations in developing countries. I currently live in Silver Spring, Maryland, with my curious, compassionate, and creative 13-year-old daughter, Natasha; together, we enjoy the arts, culture, and travel.
Q: How long have you been an IWF member?
I became an IWF member in 2020 and was sponsored by one of my mentors and a dear friend of over two decades, the Honorable Lauri Fitz-Pegado.
Q: How has your career benefited from being an IWF member?
Since joining the International Women's Forum in 2023, I've begun cultivating a trusted, cross-sector global network of women who have helped open opportunities for peer exchange, deep-dive learning, mentorship, and collaboration, strengthening my work to build inclusive cultures at Pew and across sectors.
Q: What excites you the most right now?
Witnessing my 13-year-old daughter, Natasha, navigate life as a self-proclaimed "fashionista," "foodie," and volleyball player. She's an imaginative, compassionate, emerging leader with an entrepreneurial spirit. By age 11, she had already launched two micro businesses, developed a fundraising campaign to support an elementary school in Ghana, and last year she delivered a keynote address to an audience of 500 people. She gives me hope about our future generation.
Q: What are you reading or listening to?
I just finished reading Joy Goddess: A'Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance, a biography of A'Lelia Walker, daughter of Madam C.J. Walker, who was also a notable figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Written by her great-granddaughter, A'Lelia Bundles, the book explores A'Lelia's life as a cultural icon, entrepreneur, and patron of the arts. She became one of America's first prominent Black heiresses. She hosted legendary salons that brought together iconic figures such as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Paul Robeson, and W.E.B. Du Bois. The biography highlights A'Lelia's vibrant personality and her role in shaping African American history and culture during the early 20th century. It offers a layered portrait of a woman navigating life as a mother, entrepreneur, and cultural leader, beyond the shadow of her famous mother's legacy.
A'Lelia Walker's story is a powerful parallel for executive women in the IWF today. Like Walker, IWF members are often at the intersection of legacy, leadership, and cultural transformation. Walker's ability to create inclusive spaces for dialogue, innovation, and the celebration of diverse voices mirrors IWF's mission: to foster authentic relationships, empower women leaders, and drive systemic change across sectors.
Q: Any tips or advice for new members?
When I became a new member, I was a bit overwhelmed (and excited) by all that IWF has to offer. That said, I took a 30,000-foot scan of the landscape and decided to invest time in IWF's stimulating learning programs, conferences, and workshops. Simultaneously, I began seeking opportunities to build authentic relationships and found creative ways to collaborate with several of my IWF sisters--both within the organization and beyond.
I would encourage new members to get involved at the early stage of membership; know your why, clarify your purpose for participation, and hone in on a plan of action for engagement, perhaps reviewing and revising it on a quarterly or annual basis. There are so many options--choose your own adventure!
Q: What do you like most about being a member?
There's so much that I enjoy being a member of IWF! What stands out most is the fantastic opportunity to share and learn from brilliant, talented, and resourceful women across a variety of sectors and around the world. And of course, my list of favorite things would be incomplete if I omitted the world-famous "Behind the Scenes Events" and the thoughtfully curated and engaging "Dine Arounds."
Q: Who inspires you?
In 2025, my oldest relative, my grandmother, Rev. Susie Mae Simon, passed away peacefully at home at 103 years old. She grew up in the Deep South, was twice orphaned, and lived in the wake of racial violence and domestic terror. Yet she found her purpose in life: to pour into the lives of many over 5 decades as a minister, mentor, trusted advisor, and friend to her community. She outlived seven of her thirteen children, planted five ministries in Upstate New York, and was loved by many. It was an honor to officiate at her life celebration in August of this year; a life well lived.
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
I enjoy reading, exploring visual and performing arts events, and roaming botanical gardens.
Q: Favorite place you've traveled to?
I've traveled to so many fascinating places, and I'd have to say that my top five destinations are Greece, Ghana, Spain, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish before the end of 2025?
Following a year marked by rapid, disruptive change and stress, I hope to develop and implement a comprehensive well-being program for myself centered on mindfulness and rest.