Meet the Team
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Frannie Shepherd-Bates joined Amplify Equity as Director of Development in 2023. She’s a dedicated nonprofit professional with a strong commitment to social justice whose background includes fund development, administration, and collaborative programming, particularly with justice-impacted individuals. She is skilled in creating compassionate, strengths-based support systems, advocating for individuals facing systemic barriers and injustice, and developing resources that empower historically marginalized communities.
Frannie’s work with justice-impacted individuals, particularly as founder and former director of Shakespeare in Prison, is internationally recognized, including as the subject or author of several published works. Her unusual blend of expertise and extensive network of nonprofit professionals, people with lived experience, and program practitioners make her uniquely qualified to pursue and secure funding to support AE’s work and strategic goals.
Her passion for breaking down barriers and creating pathways for people to build their own futures brought her to Amplify Equity, where she works tirelessly to support entrepreneurs in strengthening their communities and achieving lasting economic growth.
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Stacey Dimas serves as the Interim Executive Director of Amplify Equity, bringing over a decade of leadership experience in strategic planning, legislative affairs, and community development. She has held key positions in both the New York State Assembly and Senate, where she excelled in shaping policy, managing stakeholder engagement, and fostering meaningful community connections.
Stacey has a long history of community involvement, including serving as Treasurer for the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County, where she supports the organization’s mission to foster unity, strengthen Latino identity, and promote cultural pride and civic engagement. She also co-organizes the annual Latine Festa during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Previously, she was a member of the Women’s Fund Advisory Committee of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County and served as Parent Liaison to the Cornell Science & Technology Entry Program Advisory Council.
Stacey’s passion for breaking down barriers and creating pathways to financial stability aligns closely with Amplify Equity’s mission of equipping entrepreneurs with tools, education, and access to capital for lasting economic growth. Outside of her professional work, Stacey is a proud mother of two and a strong advocate for diversity, inclusion, and community empowerment. -
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Shasta is a collaborative and strategic systems thinker, organizational development consultant and leadership coach with deep experience in nonprofit and program management. She partners with individuals, teams and organizations to strengthen capacity, enhance effectiveness and drive sustainable results. Valued for her collaborative and grounded approach, Shasta brings together multi-sector partners and stakeholders, combining organizational insight with a thoughtful understanding of how systems and people work together to create meaningful, lasting impact.
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