Colisha C. Stanford

Chief Executive Officer

Colisha C. Stanford serves as Chief Executive Officer of StepUp Ministry, where she has dedicated the past 18 years to advancing the organization’s mission and strengthening its impact in the community.

With more than 25 years of leadership experience, Colisha is a visionary and relationship-driven leader with a deep commitment to creating opportunities for individuals and families to achieve stability and long-term success.

Throughout her tenure at StepUp, Colisha has played an instrumental role in the organization’s growth and evolution, helping expand its reach, strengthen community partnerships, and position StepUp for its next chapter of service. Known as a progressive thinker and master cultivator, she brings people together around a shared vision and inspires others to turn ideas into meaningful action.

Colisha’s leadership has been recognized throughout the Triangle, including being named a Triangle Business Journal 40 Under 40 Award recipient and selected as a Making A Difference Award winner by the Women’s Club of Raleigh. Colisha has completed Harvard Kennedy School's Executive Program for Nonprofit Leadership which focused on driving nonprofit performance and innovation, navigating major events and opportunities for nonprofits, and how to effectively lead nonprofits through change. She has also completed several Harvard Business School programs dedicated to Executive Leadership and is a proud graduate of East Carolina University.

At her core, Colisha is community-focused and passionate about serving others. Outside of StepUp, she enjoys traveling the world and spending time with family and friends.