The Freedom Fund is delighted to welcome Kristina DeMain as its new Managing Director of External Relations, bringing more than 20 years of experience advancing human rights through philanthropy, strategic partnerships and organisational leadership.
Kristina joined the Freedom Fund on 2 November 2026 from Human Rights Watch, where she spent seven years leading its U.S. initiatives, most recently as Acting Managing Director for North America. There, she co-led a $40 million North American fundraising portfolio, oversaw a major gifts team and helped shape major global fundraising campaigns and philanthropic strategies.
She joins the Freedom Fund as it advances its ambitious strategy through 2030, building on significant philanthropic investment, including a second $60 million gift from MacKenzie Scott. Kristina will lead the organisation’s fundraising and communications efforts, strengthen relationships with donors and partners, and help amplify the voices and impact of frontline and survivor-led organisations working to end modern slavery and serve as an ambassador for the organisation in the United States.
“I’m delighted to welcome Kristina to the Freedom Fund. She brings an exceptional track record in fundraising and building strategic partnerships, and her expertise in individual giving will be a real asset as we enter the next phase of our work. She is also a committed storyteller and a thoughtful, engaging leader who cares deeply about people and the issues at the heart of our mission. I’m excited about what we can achieve together.”
— Havovi Wadia, Incoming CEO of the Freedom Fund
Earlier in her career, Kristina was Vice President of Philanthropy & Partnerships at the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), where she doubled annual revenue and secured more than $33 million in philanthropic support over seven years. She also built partnerships with philanthropists, governments and institutional funders, helping to advance the organisation’s human rights advocacy and policy work.
Her experience extends beyond philanthropy: in an earlier role at Human Rights Watch, she represented the organisation at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and engaged corporations and international financial institutions on business and human rights. She holds an Executive Master of Arts in Global Policy.
“What drew me to the Freedom Fund is its commitment to putting resources and decision-making power in the hands of those closest to the challenges of modern slavery. Throughout my career, I’ve seen how powerful partnerships can be in advancing human rights. I’m looking forward to working alongside the Freedom Fund’s team, supporters and frontline partners to build on that approach, mobilise new support and bring greater attention to the important work they do.”
— Kristina DeMain, Managing Director of External Relations at the Freedom Fund
