Elizabeth Kester

Elizabeth leads Transparentem’s partnerships and communications strategy. She develops strategic partnerships to advance worker-centered investigations, while directing communications and media engagement to shape how findings are understood and acted upon. Through this work, Transparentem’s investigations reach funders, journalists, and decision-makers, increasing visibility and strengthening pathways to accountability.

Prior to joining Transparentem, Elizabeth held senior partnership roles at the International Rescue Committee, securing and stewarding major foundation support for large-scale, outcomes-driven programs. Her portfolio included work on an $100 million early childhood education initiative in East Africa and multi-country efforts to expand treatment for child malnutrition and deliver comprehensive reproductive health care in fragile contexts.

Earlier in her career, she managed cultural travel programs for leading nonprofit institutions at Arrangements Abroad and supported communications and advocacy at the Women’s Environment & Development Organization, advancing gender equality and environmental integrity in global policy spaces.

Elizabeth earned a B.A. in English from Wesleyan University. A New York City native, she is based in Brooklyn.