Freeda Warren

Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Philanthropy

Freeda Warren recently joined CEC as Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Philanthropy. She is an accomplished fundraising leader with more than 20 years of experience cultivating transformational philanthropy, leading advancement operations, and managing complex donor relationships. Her work spans executive leadership and hands-on fundraising, with publicly reported experience in relationship-focused fundraising, donor development, capital campaigns, and a transformative $20 million gift.

Freeda focuses intentionally on the work that strengthens long-term philanthropic partnerships: frontline donor engagement, major gift strategy, and team mentorship. She brings an executive perspective shaped by senior leadership roles, including oversight of a 43-member team across philanthropy, marketing, communications, data analytics, and membership, while staying grounded in the discipline of a practicing fundraiser.

She earned a BA in African American Studies and U.S. History from the University of California, Davis, and a JD from Seattle University School of Law. Although she began her professional journey in law, Freeda has said she found her path in nonprofit fundraising, where relationship-building, storytelling, and advocacy for education come together. She is excited to bring that experience to CEC in service of its mission to help educational systems thrive.