Colleen Ochoa Peters is the founding principal of Meaningful Impact Consulting where she directs strategic gift planning, foundation relations, and program management for national and local nonprofits. She is a purpose-driven leader with a passion for connecting caring people with meaningful community impact efforts.
Colleen is spearheading the Vision To Learn mission in Michigan, helping thousands of students in underserved communities across the state, receive the eye exams and glasses they need to succeed in school and life - free of charge. Through her longtime affiliation with Forgotten Harvest and Lighthouse, she is focused on fighting food insecurity and building equitable communities to alleviate poverty. Colleen serves as Vice-President of the M-1 Concourse Checkered Flag Foundation, supporting transportation solutions for families through Pontiac Community Foundation’s M-1 Mobility program. She is engaged in an awareness effort in Michigan to support the future Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum in Washington, DC.
Colleen brings three decades of prior professional experience in the philanthropic, financial services and public sectors. She has worked with donors and professional advisors to establish endowed funds, planned gifts and donor advised funds resulting in millions to benefit nonprofits in Southeast Michigan. She has managed over $40 million in investment assets/financial plans for families to achieve education, retirement, estate planning and philanthropic goals. Early in her career, she managed political campaigns and served on the constituent services/legislative staff for a Michigan Member of Congress.
She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Oakland University and earned a Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University. While at OU, Colleen was active in student life, from chairing the Student Program Board to serving on Oakland University’s 25th Anniversary Committee. As a first-generation graduate, Colleen believes in the transformative power of an OU education which has inspired her to stay connected and advocate for the University over the years. Colleen is a past Oakland University Alumni Association (OUAA) Chair, OUAA Assistant Director and a recipient of the OUAA’s Spirit Award. She has served on Meadow Brook Hall fundraising committees and was a founding advisory board member for OU’s Center for Civic Engagement.
Colleen and her husband Gary are the proud parents of three adult children and lifelong Oakland County residents.
Terms
Date of Appointment: December 22, 2022
Date of Term Expiration: August 11, 2030