Leadership Team

Lisa J. Dinga, CFRE - President & CEO
Victoria Schmitt Babb - Vice President

Jenny Melenbrink - Senior Associate
Mimi Nelson - Project Manager

Laura Fairbanks - Project Manager
W. Ashley Gray III - Fundraising 101
Patricia Heller - Grantwriter
Maria Rodgers O'Rourke -Communications Specialist
Roberta Peirick -OD Specialist

Erin Weyerich - Grantwriter

Lisa J. Dinga, CFRE - President & CEO
Lisa J. Dinga has been providing fundraising and organizational expertise to funders, non-profits and schools for over 20 years. Founding Paradigm Shift Studio in 2002, she brings a deep passion to helping organizations reach their fullest potential and effectively fulfill their missions. Lisa serves as a Board Member for Annie’s Hope, is a capital campaign leader for Youth In Need and has served on the Executive Board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals - St. Louis Regional Chapter. Prior to founding Paradigm Shift Studio, Lisa worked for Youth In Need, the American Youth Foundation and the Hazelwood School District’s Early Childhood Education Program.

Victoria Schmitt Babb - Vice President
Victoria Schmitt Babb joined Paradigm Shift Studio in 2005 and became a Vice President in 2007. Victoria has over 10 years of first-hand knowledge and experience in community development, public policy, fundraising, marketing, resource mobilization, and partnership/team building. Before joining Paradigm Shift Studio, Victoria coordinated the AmeriCorps program, directed Youth International, and served as a Director of Community Partnerships and Missouri Early Head Start Manager for Youth In Need.

Jenny Melenbrink – Senior Associate
Jenny Melenbrink joined Paradigm Shift Studio in 2006. Specializing in research and client coordination, Jenny brings her educational, corporate, and leadership development background to the clients we serve. Previous to joining Paradigm Shift Studio, Jenny worked for the University of Missouri – Columbia and Coca-Cola.

Mimi M. Nelson – Project Manager
Bringing her 23 years of corporate expertise to Paradigm Shift Studio, Mimi Nelson joined the leadership team in May, 2007.  Mimi's background includes working for the VP of Finance at Emerson Electric and managing the travel department for their Flow Controls Division.  Mimi was recognized quite often for her cost saving initiatives and excellent customer relations. 

Partnering with Paradigm Shift Studio, llc to bring you the VERY best

Laura Fairbanks - Project Manager
Laura Fairbanks has twelve years experience in development, starting her career at Girls, Inc., then working with the American Cancer Society and YMCA of Greater St. Louis.  She specializes in written communications, helping organizations strengthen their fund raising programs through proposals that best convey their mission and passion.  She currently works with clients on research and writing services, and growing organizations to secure long-term stability.

W. Ashley Gray III - Partner:  Fundraising 101
Ashley Gray has been in the fund raising field for over thirty years.  Mr. Gray served as Vice President Development at Ranken Technical College for eleven years where he started the Development Office, directed three capital campaigns raising over $6 million,  and oversaw a $2 million annual fund raising effort.  In 2004 Mr. Gray formed Fund Raising 101 LLC which specializes in assisting small to medium size non-profits acquire and develop the fund raising skills necessary to raise money for capital campaigns, annual giving and special programs.  He also provides training in other areas of fund development including planned giving, special events, and grant writing. 

Patricia Heller - Grantwriter
Partnering with Paradigm Shift Studio, Patricia Heller supports clients with her 15 years’experience in the nonprofit sector. She specializes in grant development, writing, and prospect research. Some of her clients include American Lung Association of Eastern Missouri, American Red Cross – St. Louis Bi-State Chapter, Edgewood Children’s Center, Fontbonne University, Lydia’s House, Ranken Jordan Pediatric Center, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Maria Rodgers O'Rourke - Communication Specialist
Maria Rodgers O’Rourke has over 20 years’ experience in communications and not-for-profit management, including positions as communications director, executive director of a national membership association, and advertising account executive.  In addition to her skills as a meeting facilitator and speaker, she writes image materials, newsletters, press releases, web copy and sponsorship proposals.  Maria’s communications experience includes work with the Archdiocese of St. Louis, the RCGA, the CPPCD, The Congregation of the Mission, Jewish Hospital, Quilogy, Inc., Cor Productions, and Loyola University, New Orleans.

Roberta Peirick, MSOD - OD Specialist
Roberta Peirick has been partnering with Paradigm Shift Studio clients since 2003 and specializes in organizational change, capacity building, collaboration and leadership. Her work experience includes leading organizations such as Nestle USA, Coro Leadership Center-St. Louis, Chiquita Brands International, Idahoan Foods, OD Network-St. Louis and the American Dietetic Association.

Erin Weyerich - Grantwriter
Erin provides Paradigm Shift Studio clients with expertise in grantwriting and foundation research.  Erin is a dynamic, creative professional with a proven record of building revenues in both philanthropic and corporate environments.  Ten years past experience in business marketing and management, and most recently, thirteen years of successful fund development for not-for-profit organizations.