Leadership
Valencia Bembry
Chief Development Officer Points of LightValencia Bembry is the chief development officer at Points of Light, joining the team in February 2024. A transformational executive, Bembry brings deep experience in philanthropy, fundraising and developing strategic initiatives.
Bembry boasts an extensive career spanning nearly two decades, during which she has held diverse positions in fundraising and strategic development. Most recently served as the head of philanthropy at the United Nations Foundation. In this capacity, she led efforts to provide fundraising guidance and support to over 10 UN agencies, resulting in the generation of over $50 million in direct program and operating support. Additionally, she played a key role in fostering the growth of the Business Council for the United Nations.
Before joining the United Nations Foundation, she dedicated over five years to United Way Worldwide, where she served in multiple fundraising and leadership capacities. Notably, she crafted the strategic framework for a $20 million fundraising initiative aimed at delivering urgent relief to communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to joining United Way Worldwide, she served as Executive Director of the Destination & Travel Foundation and SVP, Strategic Initiatives for the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) a trade association for tourism organizations. Under her leadership, Bembry transitioned the Foundation’s fundraising model and increased annual giving 300% within the first year.
Among her accomplishments within the travel and tourism industry, Bembry created programs that significantly increased minority and women ownership of hotels across Intercontinental Hotels Group and Choice Hotels family of brands.
Bembry believes that the road to solving society’s most challenging problems is by harnessing the caring power and generosity of individuals, institutions, and corporations to drive meaningful impact in the lives of the most vulnerable amongst us.
Bembry also understands the critical role of volunteers in developing and directing assets. She serves as an advisor to the University of Richmond, United Nations Association of the National Capital Area and NeighborShare.
Bembry holds a Bachelor’s degree in Global Business & Public Policy, a Master’s degree in International Marketing and Management, and an MBA, all from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
She currently resides in Washington, D.C. with her three furbabies.
