Theresa A. Schieber

Newcomb Alumnae Association

Young Alumna Award

Theresa Schieber has used her Newcomb education to make the world a better place. Her ambition, energy and intelligence have helped to revitalize the city of New Orleans, manage huge campaigns for her company and contribute to Tulane’s alumni population, among many other endeavors.

As vice president and chief operating officer of The Whelan Group, Inc., a leading New York-based consultancy to the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, Theresa advises boards of directors and CEOs on growth strategy and capital fundraising. She has managed more than $500 million in campaigns for clients across the U.S.  Theresa also designed the firm’s Social Investment practice and is helping to launch a $25 million social innovation venture fund.

Theresa has been actively involved in the rebuilding of New Orleans, specifically on the revitalization of housing and services for families in Central City, bringing her considerable expertise in social investments and nonprofit management to the effort. In 2009, Theresa was featured in a Tulanian article entitled “Social entrepreneurs blend good-hearted intent and sound business strategies for profit, planet and people,” highlighting her work in New Orleans.  Theresa is quoted as saying “the sweet spot for solving problems can’t just be a for-profit or non-profit. We have to think more creatively about how we can bring those areas together to develop innovative, scalable solutions to entrenched social problems.’’

Theresa fell “in love” with New Orleans while a student at Newcomb College. She often is heard saying: “Newcomb, Tulane and New Orleans shaped me; so much of the person I am today is because of the experiences I had living in New Orleans.” Theresa entered Newcomb College as a theater major, but after taking a history of theater class with Buzz Podewell, she was inspired to explore a history degree. Attending one of Dr. Sylvia Frey’s classes sealed the deal.  As a student, Theresa was involved in TSTV (Tulane Student Television) as the operations director, participated in community service and worked all four years.

After graduating in 1995 from Newcomb College with a Bachelor of Arts in History, Theresa remained in New Orleans and worked and volunteered at a range of nonprofits including The New Orleans Museum of Art and Radio for the Blind. In 2001, she earned a Master of Business Administration, with Dean’s Honors, from Loyola University New Orleans. She returned to New York City in the fall of 2001. 

Theresa is the immediate past president of the Tulane Club of New York, and is currently a member of the Tulane Alumni Association Board of Directors, NYU Reynolds Program in Social Entrepreneurship, Association of Fundraising Professionals, and Beta Gamma Sigma National Honor Society.