About Us
Shira Hodges
Shira brings nearly 20 years of expertise in providing strategic guidance to philanthropists, foundations, and social sector leaders. Her extensive career, which has taken her to over 40 countries, reflects her deep passion for travel and her commitment to learning from diverse cultures. These experiences have been central to her work as an advisor and co-founder of APEX.
For more than eight years, Shira, among other things, organized and led global trips for high-net-worth individuals and foundations, connecting them to impactful programs they were funding worldwide. Her time living in several countries has allowed her to build strong networks, particularly across Africa and Asia.
Shira is excited to collaborate with Bethany in offering international experiences to foundation staff who may not have had the opportunity to travel abroad. Together, they aim to expose these professionals to new perspectives and strategies in philanthropy.
“I’m thrilled to provide foundation staff with the opportunity to travel, witness how philanthropy functions globally, and forge connections with peers. I truly believe this experience will challenge and expand your current philanthropic thinking.”
Bethany Flood
Bethany comes to APEX with more than 20 years of experience building partnerships between
nonprofits and funders, leading small group international trips, and creating learning
opportunities for all ages. Her passion for people motivates continued learning, networking, and
thoughtful responses to expressed human need.
For almost a decade, Bethany lived in China supporting the work of several nonprofit
organizations in the Southeast Asia region. Coordinating educational trips, tours, and supporting expat volunteer opportunities were added benefits to the direct service role she held. Since that time, Bethany’s professional role has focused on building partnerships between funders and nonprofit organizations.
Extensive international travel to learn from others combined with the passion for bringing people
together for greater impact led to creative conversations with Shira and ideas formed around the creation of APEX.
Bethany is excited to work with Shira to build global experiential learning opportunities with local applications.
“We are more alike than different as humans. There is so much to learn from one another, and the learning that happens when we are out of our normal day-to-day lives is unmatched. I am so excited to provide these opportunities and learn with you.”