Abby Smardon

Abby Smardon (she/her/hers) is the Vice President of Development and Co-lead of Global Partnerships at Global Fund for Women.

Abby is a justice-driven fundraiser, strategist, and leader with over 15 years of experience propelling progressive movements forward.

Most recently, Abby served as the Chief External Affairs Officer at Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio where she oversaw the exponential growth of the development and marketing and communications departments to enhance reproductive health care, sex education, and political advocacy initiatives across the state. In 2023, she also served as the fundraising committee co-chair for Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights, the citizen-led ballot initiative that successfully enshrined abortion access into the Ohio constitution at the November 2023 election.

Earlier in her career, Abby served as the Executive Director of UNRWA USA, the US National Committee that lifts up the voices, experiences, and humanity of Palestine refugees to secure American support for the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. In that role, she and her team built the organization from the ground up leading large-scale engagement initiatives, high-impact global partnerships, and strong donor journeys. During her time at UNRWA USA, she traveled extensively throughout the Middle East.

Abby received her BA in International Affairs and French language at the Ohio State University and her MA in International Affairs and Conflict Resolution at George Washington University, with graduate coursework completed at Institut d'études politiques de Paris.

Abby believes deeply in the power of storytelling, and she is dedicated to helping folks connect their philanthropic passions to work that supports justice, equity, and liberation for all.