Join Planet Women for an honest conversation with women* funders and philanthropists about what they wish nonprofits knew about giving money away, and the pressures and privileges that come with their roles.
Planet Women Co-founder Kristine Zeigler will moderate a candid, thoughtful discussion on what it’s like to be a funder in the nature conservation sector today. You’ll leave with tips for working with philanthropists, common mistakes to avoid, ways to build lasting, authentic relationships, and answers to your burning questions.
The panel will also look at the inequities and systemic barriers philanthropy creates for nonprofits, from burdensome applications to shifting priorities to scarcity mindsets on all sides. Together, we’ll ask tough questions and practice compassion and mutual understanding in order to build a more inclusive, diverse funding ecosystem.
DATE: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
TIME: 10:00-11:00AM Pacific US / 1:00-2:00PM Eastern US
Please note that this virtual event will be in English only.
*It’s important to define how we use the word “women.” Our definition includes cisgender women, femme/feminine identifying, Two-Spirit, trans, genderqueer, and non-binary individuals who have historically been excluded from the environmental space.
MEET THE PANELISTS
SALLY LIU
Sally (she/her) is an environmental philanthropist dedicated to the protection of our natural environment, with an overarching goal of addressing climate change. Her focus areas include water, soil health/regenerative agriculture, ecosystem conservation, and plastic pollution. She supports work that follows a systems approach, is soundly based in science, is interwoven with collaboration, and is inclusive of the needs of peoples who inhabit the ecosystems being protected. Sally worked as a volunteer scientist at The Nature Conservancy California Chapter, supporting groundwater issues, policy initiatives, on-the-ground projects and scientific research in the water program. She was an environmental engineer at Tetra Tech, developing and applying environmental models.
Sally serves on the boards of Sustainable Conservation, the Pacific Institute, The Nature Conservancy California Chapter, the Water Foundation, and the Plastic Solutions Fund. She leads the Donor Circle for the Environment at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Sally is an avid hiker, backpacker, and cyclist. The granite mountains of the Sierra Nevadas is her heart home. She loves all plants and animals and is happiest communing with nature. Sally is curious about everything and likes to be an early adopter of new ideas.
RACHEL RIVERA
Rachel (she/her) is a philanthropy and family office executive with nearly a decade of experience advising ultra-high-net-worth principals, overseeing global philanthropic portfolios, and leading strategic and operational initiatives. She currently serves as Managing Director, Global Philanthropy & Strategic Initiatives for a private family office, working directly with the principal across philanthropy, family office operations, special projects, and strategic priorities.
Previously, Rachel served as Chief Operating Officer of Wild Lives Foundation, the private foundation of philanthropist Jody Allen. Over nearly a decade, she held leadership roles across Wild Lives Foundation, Vulcan, and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, supporting global philanthropy, organizational strategy, governance, and principal-led initiatives.
Rachel has also held nonprofit leadership and governance roles, including Board President of SR3, Treasurer of One Earth Philanthropy, and Secretary of Daughters for Earth. She has served as Jody Allen’s representative in connection with the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town. Her work focuses on helping individuals and families translate their values and philanthropic ambitions into meaningful impact through thoughtful strategy, strong relationships, and effective execution.