Kaylan Martin is a philanthropy and social impact strategist and the Founder of Blue Umbrella Strategies, an advisory firm focused on helping organizations connect strategy, partnerships, and funding to drive community impact. With more than 20 years of experience, she has helped mobilize over $100 million in investment by building cross-sector partnerships across corporate, philanthropic, and public institutions.
Throughout her career, Kaylan has led fundraising and partnership strategy for national organizations including the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), where she scaled multi-million dollar portfolios and expanded corporate engagement. She has also served as a strategic advisor to leading philanthropic institutions and initiatives, including internXL, the Walton Family Foundation, and Borealis Philanthropy, and currently supports clients such as the Housing Authority of Baltimore City and New Profit.
Known for her ability to translate complex social impact work into clear, fundable strategies, Kaylan specializes in ecosystem building, narrative positioning, and aligning capital with community-driven solutions. She is a recognized thought partner and facilitator, having led national workshops and convenings for social entrepreneurs and leaders across the country.
She holds degrees and executive education credentials from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business. A Goldman Sachs Baltimore 10K Small Business alumna, founding member of The Gathering Spot DC, and evaluator for the Black Ambition Prize Competition, Kaylan brings a unique blend of academic insight and hands-on experience to every initiative she supports.
Throughout her career, Kaylan has led fundraising and partnership strategy for national organizations including the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), where she scaled multi-million dollar portfolios and expanded corporate engagement. She has also served as a strategic advisor to leading philanthropic institutions and initiatives, including internXL, the Walton Family Foundation, and Borealis Philanthropy, and currently supports clients such as the Housing Authority of Baltimore City and New Profit.
Known for her ability to translate complex social impact work into clear, fundable strategies, Kaylan specializes in ecosystem building, narrative positioning, and aligning capital with community-driven solutions. She is a recognized thought partner and facilitator, having led national workshops and convenings for social entrepreneurs and leaders across the country.
She holds degrees and executive education credentials from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business. A Goldman Sachs Baltimore 10K Small Business alumna, founding member of The Gathering Spot DC, and evaluator for the Black Ambition Prize Competition, Kaylan brings a unique blend of academic insight and hands-on experience to every initiative she supports.