Foundation Staff

Helen Kim

Executive Director

Helen joined Hoffberger Family Philanthropies in late November 2020 as a Program Officer and became Executive Director (ED) in February 2023 after serving in the interim role. She previously provided consulting services in the nonprofit sector with the primary focus of helping her clients expand their equity and access effort. Prior to consulting, she served at a few nascent foundations—including The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation—building organizational capacity as well as developing and managing multi-million dollar national and international grant portfolios. Additional experience includes an appointment with the Corporation for National and Community Service, the agency that oversees the national AmeriCorps and Senior Corps volunteer programs, specifically serving as a liaison with the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, which expanded the government’s effort to support grassroots nonprofits.

Helen is also a lifelong volunteer with a background in development and publishing. Helen earned her MPA in Nonprofit Management and a MA in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University and the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy along with a BA in English from the University of Virginia, where she previously served on the student volunteer program’s Alumni Council. Helen is also currently serving on the Board of Maryland Nonprofits.

Gloria Lawrence

Program Associate

Gloria Lawrence joined Hoffberger Family Philanthropies in 2024 as a Program Associate. Prior to joining Hoffberger, Gloria founded Nonprofit For Newbies, a consulting firm specializing in supporting grassroots organizations led by community leaders with lived experience. Over time, she built a community of more than 20,000 followers across social media platforms by sharing practical advice on nonprofit management, transparency, and governance. She is also a licensed consultant at Maryland Nonprofits.

As the current Founder and Executive Director of Esi’s House of H.O.P.E. (Her Opportunities, Pathways and Empowerment), Gloria leads a career pathways ministry program that combines free dorm-style housing with mentorship for young mothers enrolled in degree programs or career-focused certifications. Esi’s House proudly provides a safe and supportive home for 14 youth. She also owns a Joint Commission-accredited behavioral health clinic, meeting the ongoing need for mental health support prior to achieving career goals. HOPE Health & Wellness provides in-home, holistic mental health services and life skills for women ages 18-24 and their children.

A proud graduate of Morgan State University with a BA in Business Administration, Gloria is an ambitious and creative leader dedicated to building innovative, supportive ecosystems where women and children can thrive, break barriers, and dream big. Her work within Hoffberger Family Philanthropies fulfills a deep commitment to fostering generational change, breaking cycles of poverty, and advancing equity through economic mobility.