In Somali, the word xukuma [hoo.koo.ma] means “life the way you want it to be.”
After 25 years of working with leading institutions, inspiring leaders, and exciting start-ups, in and out of the non-profit sector, I founded Xukuma, LLC to pursue my “xukuma” and work with the leaders of for-impact organizations to help them capture their own.
As of January 2022, Xukuma, LLC is not accepting new clients.
I am authentic and honest in my approach, advising from a position of on-the-ground experience, with humility and respect.
Specializing in executive coaching for non-profit senior leaders, I partner with CEO’s, executive directors, and their boards, to increase their ability to deliver mission-related impact, and still leave energy and room for creativity and growth.
Xukuma, LLC services focus on:
- Leadership development and organizational effectiveness coaching,
- governance and board development and,
- interim executive directorship.
These services are delivered through:
- one-on-one virtual coaching sessions,
- engaging, thoughtfully-designed and facilitated streaming retreats and webinars, and;
- embedded virtual interim leadership.
I am a 21/64 Certified Advisor, RevJen Professional Facilitator, Core Guide for Chief, a trained Interim Executive Director, hold a Certificate of Nonprofit Board Consulting from BoardSource, Agile Leadership Certification from Six Sigma International, Co-Active Coaching Fundamentals training, and a Certificate in Change Leadership from Cornell University.
Jennifer L. Goldstone
Founder & CEO
As of January 10th, 2022, I will be the William Davidson Foundation’s Jewish Life Venture Philanthropy Fellow.
I founded Xukuma, LLC in 2016. Prior to launching Xukuma, LLC, I consulted for the Paul E. Singer Foundation (TPESF.) I joined TPESF from the role of COO at the Birthright Israel Foundation. Prior to that role, I was the co-executive partner of SeaChange Capital Partners. Founded by retired Goldman Sachs partners, SeaChange focuses on not-for-profit sector mergers and acquisitions, and other forms of collaboration between agencies and organizations, and provides advisory services around capital growth campaigns, spin-outs and restructurings.
Prior to SeaChange, I was the director of member services at the Jewish Funders Network, where I was responsible for developing membership strategy, and for recruiting and retaining members. Previously, I was the director of development at the Curriculum Initiative, a non-profit focused on building Jewish identity in Independent Schools. I launched my non-profit career at Outward Bound USA as national director of foundation relations, ultimately becoming the director of marketing and communications for Expeditionary Learning Schools, Outward Bound’s public education reform division.
A former journalist, I was a producer at ABC News from 1995 to 2003. I received my bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, where I majored in English Literature. I serve on the board of directors of The Support Center, as Chairperson, and am the founding Board Chair of At the Well. I am a 21/64 Certified Advisor, RevJen Professional Facilitator, Core Guide for Chief, a trained Interim Executive Director, hold a Certificate of Nonprofit Board Consulting from BoardSource, Agile Leadership Certification from Six Sigma International, Co-Active Coaching Fundamentals training, and a Certificate in Change Leadership from Cornell University.
I live in New York City with my husband and two boys, ages 13 and 16.
I’ve had the honor and privilege to work with Jenn on a number of occasions and in a number of roles. She is always thought provoking, engaging, and a delight to work along side. We are especially proud to count her as one of our facilitators at RevJen and I highly recommend her to any organization that may need her diverse expertise.
Brian Joseph
President/CEO
RevJen Group
Jenn is a gifted coach with the rare ability to simultaneously push and support her clients to help them grow. Her vast experience allows her to consistently apply learnings and best practices to specific challenges in a way that is authentic, relevant and productive. I’m lucky to have worked with her at a pivotal stage in my career and can honestly say that I came away from each meeting more inspired and confident. I wholeheartedly recommend her to any individual or organization that wants to take their work to the next level.
Samantha Coulombe
Public Relations Executive
Jenn Goldstone was described to me as a problem solver. When we engaged her services, I had no idea, beyond her reputation as a skilled COO, how successful she would be as a program developer. Jenn took a broad concept and and designed the foundation as well as the building blocks to take this novel idea and develop into a valuable program. Jenn combined a deep understanding of the women we serve, high standards for strategic partnerships, powerful market research skills and delivered to us the necessary components to launch the new program and to ensure its sustainability. Jenn worked seamlessly with staff and was invested as if she were on the team. I am happy that she felt so connected to our mission to take the leap and work with Sharsheret to offer cancer support at every stage.
Elana Silber
Chief Executive Officer
Sharsheret: The Jewish Breast & Ovarian Cancer Community
Jenn is an exceptionally motivated, talented, and passionate leader in the non-profit world. She is always thoughtful, open-minded, and excited to resolve issues that many others consider too challenging to handle. She is genuinely committed to the organizations she works with, and is a force multiplier in every way.
Carrie Filipetti
Director, Portfolio Management
The Paul E. Singer Foundation
What a gift Jenn Goldstone has been in helping my professional development. She has the rare ability to be direct yet kind, firm and warm, wise and wise-hearted. Thank you for helping me be a better professional.
Rabba Sara Hurwitz
President
Yeshivat Maharat
I was leading the team at SeaChange Capital Partners when Jenn Goldstone joined us as a Vice President. Jenn immediately began contributing at a high level in a range of areas, from communications to donor and grantee relations to being an important guide and mentor to our younger professionals. Jenn was promoted to partner and succeeded me alongside another colleague to lead the organization in 2011. Her diverse background of experience and high-energy, optimistic demeanor position Jenn to add significant value to aspirational organizations.
Charles T. Harris III
Managing Director, Blue Meridian Partners
Portfolio Manager, Director of Capital Aggregation
The Edna McConnell Clark Foundation
Jenn has that rare ability of seeing the macro and the micro. She is detail-obsessed and 10,000-foot savvy. A natural puzzle-solver, she is a great thought partner and leader, who cares deeply about every client, project, and opportunity with which she is entrusted. I am thrilled Jenn launched Xukuma so that I can have access to her excellent “operationalizing” skills.
Gali Cooks
Executive Director
Leading Edge
