Genevieve Piturro

Genevieve Piturro was a successful television marketing executive until a sudden inner voice challenged her direction and she dramatically altered the path of her life. She found her true purpose when a simple question from a six-year-old girl in an emergency shelter changed everything. In 2001, she jumped off the corporate ladder and founded the hugely successful national nonprofit, Pajama Program. This year, the Program celebrates its 23rd anniversary, having delivered more than 8 million pajamas and books to date.

“Going from corporate executive to nonprofit founder wasn’t easy, but after massive fear and doubt, countless sleepless nights, and tears that could fill the Atlantic, I overcame challenges I thought would ruin everything. I met each turn with faith, determination, and moxie. I found and powered my purpose, and the chain of events set in motion by that little girl is creating a legacy we can only attribute to the magic of the human connection,” says Piturro.

Piturro also created the Purpose ACER business training program and 12 Masterclasses to help leaders create a shared culture by aligning the goals of the company and management with the goals of its employees. She has produced and hosted two national Purpose Summits in New York and written two books on purpose and legacy.

Her first book, sharing life and leadership lessons she learned through her Pajama Program journey, is an Amazon best seller and the winner of seven awards. "Purpose, Passion and Pajamas: How to Transform Your Life, Embrace the Human Connection and Lead with Meaning," debuted during COVID and continues to resonate with our nation's yearning for more meaning in our lives. Her TEDx talk: “1 Idea + The Human Connection = 7 million Pajamas” debuted with her book. Her second book, "Purpose, Passion and Moxie: How to Lead the Way and Leave a Legacy," a workbook to help start a nonprofit from scratch to success, was released September 2023.

Piturro has been interviewed on and in many local and national media including OPRAH, Hallmark’s "Home & Family," "The Huckabee Show," "TODAY," "Good Morning America," "The Early Show," CNN, "Fox & Friends," O Magazine, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Glamour, SELF and Parenting Magazines.

Piturro rang the Nasdaq Stock Market Opening Bell in 2016. She has been the recipient of many local and national awards as she inspires others to listen to their heart-voice in pursuing their passions. A graduate of Fordham University, she lives in Irvington, N.Y. with her husband, Demo DiMartile.