Our Team
Sheila Wells, Principal Consultant
Driven by a commitment to equity and justice, Sheila Wells (she/her/hers) is the Owner and Principal Consultant of Wells Philanthropy. With over 15 years of experience in the sector, she aims to provide mission-led nonprofits with development consulting and tailored services to meet their community’s needs. Since 2020, Sheila has helped raise over $15 million for more than 15 organizations nationwide, from emerging grassroots change agents to large-scale institutions. Recent collaborations have supported transformative efforts in community health, arts, education, workforce development, and human service sectors. Before launching Wells Philanthropy, she served as the Development and Communications Director at Wide Angle Youth Media and the Director of Philanthropy at Shepherd’s Clinic. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Maryland Institute, College of Art, and is an Americorps alumna. Her passion is rooted in helping nonprofits streamline their ideas into thoughtful campaigns that result in successful and innovative community outcomes. She believes strongly in the power of collective impact and community collaboration. In her spare time she is an artist, learner, Baltimore explorer, food lover, and caretaker to her senior rescue pets.
Jeanelle Spencer, PhD, Technical Writer
Jeanelle Spencer (she/her/hers), Technical Writer at Wells Philanthropy, is passionate about understanding and communicating the science behind human disease. She earned a B.S. in Chemistry from Howard University and a PhD in Molecular Biology from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She strives to improve patient health and outcomes with a health equity lens. Jeanelle has spent her career addressing health challenges to drive impact, from conducting bench research at the National Cancer Institute, where she wrote for the NIH Intramural Research Program blog, to developing medical education initiatives at Ashfield MedComms, a global leader in commercialization services for the healthcare industry. Given the significant influence of socioeconomic determinants of health, her current focus is on community health interventions directly, as the owner of a CrossFit gym in a Baltimore City Black Butterfly neighborhood, and as part of the Wells Philanthropy team to help mission-driven organizations drive positive change in their communities. She is an avid reader, CrossFitter, and loves to binge-watch K-dramas.
Yuri Zietz, Development Associate
Yuri Zietz (he/him/his), Development Associate at Wells Philanthropy, brings a decade of expertise in writing and research to the team. Yuri's passion for media originally led him to pursue a career in Library Science, specializing in Archival studies - particularly the preservation and access of audiovisual materials. Following four years at Goucher College where he graduated with honors for a Fine Arts BA, he attended Drexel University and received his MLIS. His years with the Maryland State Library for the Blind & Print Disabled and the Baltimore County Public Library system were focused on ensuring access to records and materials. This work highlighted the vital importance of accessibility and accuracy for patrons across all walks of life, and this purpose is carried further into his work with Wells Philanthropy, where he helps nonprofits amplify their goals to initiate systemic change and provide resources and benefits for the welfare of their community members.
Hana Hasan, Administrative Specialist
Hana Hasan-Graham (she/her/hers) brings a wealth of experience as the part-time Administrative Specialist at Wells Philanthropy. A Boston native, Hana began her career working with K-12 school systems to enhance their knowledge and commitment to diversity and inclusion in the classroom while honing her skills as an accounting specialist. Relocating to Baltimore in 2003, Hana earned her master’s degree at the University of Baltimore. As the director of Off-Campus Housing for a public institution, she leads her team to connect students to the local community and aid them in finding independent housing. Throughout her career, she has consistently taken on roles that have showcased her office management and accounting skills. Known for her creative thinking and expertise in bookkeeping and administration, Hana keeps the gears of Wells Philanthropy turning smoothly. Hana is also a dedicated volunteer, supporting organizations such as Marian House, a proud wife, and mom.