Naomi Amaha

About Naomi Amaha

Seasoned public affairs and policy executive with over a decade of experience leading multi-state advocacy strategies, community engagement initiatives, and equity-centered policy development. Proven track record in managing high-performing teams, advancing impactful public policy campaigns, and cultivating strategic partnerships across government, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors. Known for championing racial equity, community leadership, and effective cross-sector collaboration to drive systemic change.

Experience

1. Director of Policy and Government Affairs

   The Denver Foundation

   May 2021 — Present · Denver, CO, US

   Lead the foundation’s comprehensive policy, advocacy, and government affairs strategy, aligning efforts with community-led priorities and racial equity principles.Supervise and support a cross-functional team, including the Strengthening Neighborhoods and Capacity Building Officer and Policy & Government Affairs Specialist.Partner with internal teams and external stakeholders to advance issue-specific campaigns and advocacy initiatives impacting civic engagement, housing, and social systems.Cultivate and manage relationships with elected officials, government staff, and donors to strengthen the foundation’s influence and fundraising outcomes.Oversee advocacy and civic fabric grant portfolios; implement measurable strategies to support community organizing and resident leadership.Represent the foundation in coalitions, committees, and public forums to advance equity-centered policy agendas.Provide technical assistance and capacity building to nonprofit partners and community members to strengthen local advocacy infrastructure.Contributed editorial content for publications highlighting policy achievements and community impacts.Represents the organization externally and champions advocacy efforts for philanthropy in webinars, panels, and external presentations.

Education

• University of California, Davis

  Bachelors, Sociology and Communications

• University of Colorado Boulder - Leeds School of Business

  Certificate , Corporate Social Responsibility

  2019 — 2019

• University of Pennsylvania

  Executive Program in Social Impact Strategy , Social Impact

• American River College

  Associate, Liberal Arts

Skills

• Press Releases
• Strategic Communications
• Community Organizing
• Public Policy
• Legislative Analysis
• Program Development
• International Relations
• State Government
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Legislative Relations
• Legislative Tracking
• Legislation
• Grassroots Organizing
• Foreign Policy
• Public Affairs
• Legislative Affairs
• Research
• Grassroots Fundraising
• Government
• Nonprofits
• Coalitions
• Emotional Intelligence
• Policy Analysis
• Speech Writing
• Crisis Communications
• Empathy
• Human Relationship
• Politics
• Political Communication
• Volunteer Management
• Project Coordination
• Public Speaking
• Government Relations
• Non-Profits
• Economic Development
• Message Development
• Political Campaigns
• Community Relations
• Grants