Dana Gilland Joins NESsT Board of Directors

Trailblazing Legal Expert Will Bring Unique Perspectives and Deep Experience to Help Drive NESsT’s Continued Success and Leadership

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NESsT, a global impact organization dedicated to supporting high-potential social entrepreneurs that create meaningful employment and income opportunities in their communities, is proud to announce the appointment of Dana Gilland to the NESsT Board of Directors. With Gilland's appointment, the NESsT Board of Directors comprises of 10 members with expertise in sustainability, corporate law, impact investing, and financial inclusion. Notably, 50% of board members are women.

“Dana’s leadership and expertise will be a significant asset to NESsT as we continue to support the empowerment of entrepreneurs and communities around the world,” said Kirsten Dueck, NESsT CEO. “Her deep investment acumen, legal expertise, and commitment to early-stage startup investing strongly align with our mission and values. Her wealth of valuable experience will have a palpable, positive effect on our Board.”

Dana is an investor in Simplifyber and other early-stage companies, supporting women entrepreneurs through funding and resources. Her commitment extends to the Chief Board Services community group, which she launched as a member five years ago to empower executives as they navigate board ecosystems and to foster good corporate governance with a focus on strategic leadership and collaboration.

Her career spans global corporate leadership, law, and philanthropy, where she has launched innovative initiatives, guided transformative M&A deals, and helped organizations achieve market leadership. With a background as an early-stage startup investor, founder of a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and a seasoned legal professional, Dana has dedicated her career to advancing equitable economic opportunities. As co-founder, president, and board chair of the Nest Egg Foundation, she has supported families facing infertility and financial constraints.

“It’s a privilege to join NESsT, whose dedication to creating lasting change for high-potential social entrepreneurs resonates with my own passion,” said Dana Gilland. “I’m excited to contribute to this impactful work.”

Lord Mervyn Davies, Chairman of the NESsT Board of Directors, also shared his support for Dana’s appointment: “Dana Gilland embodies the qualities that NESsT values in its leadership: vision, expertise, and a deep commitment to social impact. Her experience and insights will help us navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead as we expand our mission of supporting emerging entrepreneurs globally.”

For more information about NESsT and its mission to support entrepreneurs and communities, visit www.nesst.org.

About NESsT:

NESsT invests in enterprises that create quality jobs for underserved communities while sustaining the planet. Since its founding in 1997, NESsT has invested over $40M and trained and supported over 37,000 entrepreneurs across 50 countries. It has accelerated and financed more than 300 enterprises, in total sustaining more than 129,000 formal jobs and improving the lives of 1.8 million people from under-represented communities around the world.