Moving Billions with Light Energy

Leti McNeill Light is a nationally recognized leader in higher education philanthropy.

She is the Co-Founder and President of SIGAP – the Strategic Initiatives Group for Advancement Professionals – a national community of fundraising professionals dedicated to securing transformational support for major institutional priorities, interdisciplinary research, and academic centers and institutes.

She currently serves as Associate Vice Chancellor for University Development and Alumni Relations at UCSF, where she leads strategy around grateful patient giving, school-based fundraising, and scientific research initiatives.

With nearly 25 years in the field, Leti has held leadership roles at UC Berkeley, UCLA, and Cornell, and is known for building powerful, cross-disciplinary philanthropic partnerships.

 

Here’s a glimpse of the episode:

• Leti shares her career journey
• Why philanthropy isn’t just about giving, but about building influence
• Leading with empathy and strategy
• Women shaping science, health & education
• Building lasting donor relationships 
• Creating options for the next generation (at home and in society)
• The rise of giving circles and collective impact
• Advice for women stepping into leadership

In this week’s episode…

Sarah sits down with Leti McNeill Light – Associate Vice Chancellor of UCSF and Co-Founder and President of SIGAP – a nationally recognized leader in higher education philanthropy. With nearly 25 years of experience across top universities and transformative fundraising initiatives, Leti shares what it means to lead with intention, curiosity, and care.

 

Together, Sarah and Leti unpack the real work of philanthropy: building power, cultivating options, and creating space for meaningful change – whether in a lab, a boardroom, or your own home. Leti shares candid reflections on managing large teams, sustaining energy as a leader, and her personal commitment to move billions in philanthropic giving during her lifetime. They also explore how women can find their voice in philanthropic spaces professionally, personally, and collectively.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• • LinkedIn | Sarah Nichols
  • Nichols Law, P.C. Website
  • Nichols Law, P.C. email address: consult@nicholslawyer.com
  • Nichols Law, P.C. contact number: 415-504-3095
  • Instagram (@nicholslawpc)
  • LinkedIn | Leti McNeill Light
  • SIGAP | Strategic Initiatives Group for Advancement Professionals