Our Team
Miranda Santillo-McCormick
Director
Miranda Santillo brings a decade of experience at the intersection of research, policy, and community engagement. She specializes in translating complex data into clear, actionable insights that support local leaders, nonprofits, and funders.
Before joining ACT Rochester, Miranda led cross-sector initiatives focused on financial well-being and racial equity at the Urban Institute. She managed high-impact research projects and learning communities, launched tools such as the Financial Health & Wealth Dashboard, briefed policymakers, and secured over $3 million in new research funding. Her earlier work includes coordinating statewide advocacy in Illinois, guiding strategic planning for Chicago nonprofits, and helping design and launch the Rochester Financial Empowerment Center while working in the City of Rochester Mayor’s Office.
Miranda is a proud Rochester native and holds a BS in Human Development from Cornell University and an MSW from the University of Chicago.
Advisory Committee
Members appointed by Rochester Area Community Foundation to guide and oversee this initiative include:
Tom Argust
Chair, Retired Commissioner of Community Development, City of Rochester
Hanif Abdul-Wahid
Retired Community Liaison for Neighborhood Initiatives, Monroe County Department of Planning & Development
Simeon Banister
President and CEO, Rochester Area Community Foundation
Erin Budd Barry
Vice President, Community Programs, Rochester Area Community Foundation
Tom Gillett
Retired Regional Staff Director, New York State United Teachers
Margaret Sánchez
Principal, Sánchez & Associates
Joe Stefko
CEO, OneROC
Sharon Stiller, Esq.
Attorney, Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Formato, Ferrara, Wolf & Carone