UNCF is pleased to welcome Gia Soublet, Ph.D., as vice president of UNCF’s new strategic impact investment fund (SIIF)—a major philanthropic effort set to elevate the critical work of UNCF and its 37 member historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Soublet will work directly with Senior Vice President of Principal Gifts and Strategic Investments Marc Barnes, Ph.D., and UNCF’s Office of the President to secure financial support and mobilize a team of fundraising professionals.
DR. GIA SOUBLET
Dr. Soublet brings to UNCF 25 years of experience driving growth and resources for nonprofit organizations, including some of the nation’s most notable HBCUs. She is a graduate from both UNCF-member Xavier University of Louisiana and Jackson State University. Most recently, she served as vice chancellor for institutional advancement at North Carolina Central University where she oversaw all private fundraising efforts. Previously, Soublet served as vice president for institutional advancement and assistant vice president for development at Xavier University of Louisiana and has also supported major gifts and corporation and foundation relations at UNCF-member Dillard University in New Orleans.
“Dr. Soublet’s impressive track record of fundraising success and executive leadership at HBCUs make her the right person for this important role,” said Barnes. “We are thrilled to welcome her to the team.”
Soublet joins UNCF during a momentous and transformative time for HBCUs. These important institutions have increasingly become a model for impact by generating outsized results and increasing social mobility for historically underfunded and marginalized communities.
“As a former UNCF scholarship recipient, graduate of two HBCUs—one being a UNCF institution, and previous work at two UNCF schools—I know first-hand how these cherished institutions impact the trajectory of their students,” said Soublet. “Philanthropists are paying attention, now more than ever.”
Soublet will officially begin her new role on Sept. 6.