Edgar Villanueva

Edgar Villanueva is the Founder and CEO of Decolonizing Wealth Project & Liberated Capital. As an enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe, he leverages his extensive experience in philanthropy to promote racial equity and social justice. Villanueva serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for Native Americans in Philanthropy, NDN Collective, Mother Jones, and as a Board Member of the Andrus Family Fund, which focuses on improving outcomes for vulnerable youth.

Villanueva is the author of the best-selling book "Decolonizing Wealth," which was released in 2018. The book explores alternatives to the dynamics of colonization in the philanthropic and social finance sectors, leading to the establishment of the Decolonizing Wealth Project and Liberated Capital. His work with these organizations enhances his impact in the field, focusing on systemic change.

In addition to his roles in philanthropy, Villanueva advises Fortune 500 companies and global philanthropies on social impact strategies to advance racial equity. He is a recognized voice in discussions about the intersection of race, power, and wealth, having appeared in media outlets such as CBSN and The Laura Flanders Show. Villanueva has also been a speaker at notable events including the Skoll World Forum and the Equity in the Center Summit. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a Master of Health Administration from the Gillings Global School of Public Health at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Villanueva currently resides in New York City.