Team Levine Welcomes New Staff Amid Foundation’s Continued Growth

It’s an exciting time for The Leon Levine Foundation as leadership determines the vision for a new era of grantmaking. In recent months, seven professionals have partnered with TLLF to support and scale operations. We asked these latest additions to share why they were compelled to join TLLF and what inspires them most about the legacy of Leon Levine. Get to know everyone here, and be sure to give them a warm welcome!

Russell Altenburg – Senior Program Officer, Education

Ragaa Kunda – Program Assistant

“I was drawn to a career with TLLF because I wanted to be part of an organization that made a difference. It’s an amazing opportunity to work with people who share common values and goals to create positive change.

Lindsay Messinger – Director of Research and Evaluation

“Based on my background, I feel personally connected to and committed to each of TLLF’s mission areas. I am a developmental psychologist and have worked in several large hospitals and public school districts over the last twenty years.

During that time, I have experienced many circumstances in which organizational and individual needs exceed the available resources. I am inspired by Mr. Levine’s generosity and his lasting legacy to improve the lives of people in the Carolinas and contribute to our community.”

Carla Miles – Director of Human Resources

“I am so excited to get the opportunity to be part of an organization that is making such an impact in the Carolinas. I have been in Human Resources for many years and enjoy helping others achieve their goals.

The Foundation is doing this in a much bigger scale and I am honored to be a part of such a wonderful organization that cares about their employees and does so much to help others.”

Stacie Miller – Accounting Manager

“Most of the time it takes generations to build the type of legacy Leon Levine created. Leon built his legacy through his own hard work, attention to detail, and dedication. He figured out a good business model and stuck with it, one store at a time. He was just as meticulous with picking out the Foundation’s Board members and employees.

He knew what strategies would work and always made sure that the group never lost sight of the teamwork it takes to build something great and “the Family Dollar customer” while giving grants. He was an amazing person that I really wish I could have met.”

Rachel Rankin – Administrative Assistant

“Growing up in the Charlotte area I had obviously heard/seen the Levine name all around the city. Once I learned more about who he was and what kind of values the organization held, I knew it was a place I wanted to work. His desire to “give back” to and better his community is apparent in the work the Foundation does.

He was focused on helping those who want to make a better life for themselves and their families. His desire to improve the Carolinas has been the biggest inspiration to me and it’s been great to help perpetuate his legacy of giving.”

Jen Rosen – Senior Program Officer, Jewish Values

“When I think of Mr. Levine and his legacy, I’m inspired by his boldness- in vision and generosity. Over and over again, he was able to imagine what didn’t yet exist and then make it happen. Mr. Levine’s great success in business was admirable, but it was his choices to use his resources (both financial and time) to make the community better that left me most inspired and honored to help preserve his legacy.”