Meet Tunde: Providing Aid in the Aftermath of Crises

As Chief Development Officer of World Central Kitchen, Tunde Wackman “leads fundraising efforts to advance the organization's mission and strategic goals.” She has over two decades of experience leading strategy and business development across nonprofits and media organizations. In doing so, Tunde has built a reputation for developing innovative partnerships with Fortune 500 brands worldwide. Before joining the World Central Kitchen team, she spearheaded large-scale fundraising and partnership development efforts at Vital Voices Global Partnership and the National Geographic Society. We are so excited to celebrate Tunde today!

Can you tell us more about your career and path to becoming World Central Kitchen's (WCK) Chief Development Officer?

My career path hasn't been linear at all. I began my journey in foreign service, never imagining that I would one day become a Chief Development Officer. I spent over a decade immersed in the media industry, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Over time, my roles evolved, with a growing emphasis on relationship building and business development. My true passion came into focus when I transitioned into the nonprofit sector, where I was able to marry my business acumen with purposeful work. When I was approached about the CDO role at World Central Kitchen, it felt like the universe was aligning to guide me toward this incredible opportunity. As the daughter of a chef and a political refugee, the mission of WCK holds a deeply personal and meaningful significance for me. I know from personal experience that in times of crisis, a hot meal not only provides nourishment but also hope, comfort, and dignity.

WCK has been widely praised for frontline work, even in the midst of violent conflicts. How does your team prepare for unexpected challenges?

We believe that the best plan is the plan to adapt. As our founder, Chef José Andrés, likes to say,  "Listen to the disaster, and it will speak to you."  We develop emergent strategies in real-time based on situational needs. There are many challenges innate to WCK’s role as food first responders. Because no two crises are ever the same, WCK does not have a singular playbook for our relief work. We do have a few key models that help guide how we respond, but our teams have to be flexible and adaptable to find the solution that best suits that community. 

As a frontline food responder, WCK has been present in the wake of devastating natural disasters. What does your relief model look like?

WCK exists to fill gaps in food access during times of crisis, and our team responds with the “urgency of now” in the aftermath of disasters.  We aim to show up within hours after a disaster occurs because we know that when people are hungry, they’re hungry today, not tomorrow or a week from now. Our team sees front-and-center how disasters impact families, communities, local businesses. 

WCK’s relief model meets the needs of the communities we serve by delivering nutritious meals directly to people while boosting livelihoods, businesses, and economies during a time of crisis. We do this by sourcing ingredients locally, employing community members, and partnering with local food suppliers. This approach not only allows us to serve culturally appropriate meals immediately, but we are able to provide work and income during a time when business as usual may have halted. We often say that communities are our superpower and work to shift local communities from secondary players to active architects and actors of a more inclusive and ambitious mission. 

Since our founding in 2010, we have served more than 450 million meals to families impacted by humanitarian and natural disasters.

Over the past year, the world has been watching dire situations unfold in Gaza. As always, WCK has been present to help communities in need. Can you tell us more about WCK’s work in the region? 

Since  World Central Kitchen served our first plates of food in Gaza in October 2023, our teams have provided more than 87 million meals by land, air, and sea to Palestinian families in need. WCK has been responsible for 60% of non-governmental aid deliveries, according to data released by Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the agency that controls access to Gaza. Since our response began last October, we have established four field kitchens with capacity to cook tens of thousands of meals, built a network of more than 160 community kitchens, opened a maritime aid corridor, and participated in airdrops. Our model has always been to work hand-in-hand with the community and we have built a strong team of Palestinians to lead this operation in Gaza. 

Are there any innovations you’re proud of? 

I would say innovation drives our work anywhere we go, but especially in Gaza right now. Our teams are continually innovating to meet the needs of families impacted by the conflict. From developing our own solar-paneled stoves utilizing wooden pallets specifically designed for the resource-constrained environment to opening the maritime corridor to Gaza for the first time in nearly two decades, we are overcoming limitations imposed by restrictions on humanitarian aid and expanding our operation to reach as many people as possible. These are just some of the reasons why WCK was named one of TIME’s most influential companies.  

As the Chief Development Officer, how do you decide what to prioritize and where to allocate resources? 

I think it’s important to recognize that prioritization is not a one-time decision but an iterative process. In collaboration with WCK’s leadership team, I continuously review and reassess priorities based on organizational needs and objectives. While we have a roadmap and key Development priorities for the year, we have to adapt and pivot quickly as we respond to and fundraise in support of disasters across the globe. 

What advice would you give someone pursuing a career in development and philanthropy?

A career in development can be incredibly rewarding if you understand your passion and purpose. Determine what causes or issues you are most passionate about - this clarity will guide your career decisions and help you stay motivated.

Development and philanthropy roles require a mix of skills, including fundraising, grant writing, relationship-building, project management, and financial acumen. To gain relevant experience, seek out internships, volunteer opportunities, or entry-level positions in nonprofit organizations or foundations. Practical experience will provide you with insights into the sector and build your skills. Networking to build relationships with professionals in the field and staying updated on trends and innovations in the sector is also crucial. 

How can For a World of Good readers support WCK today?

There are several ways to support WCK - whether by donating, hosting fundraising events in your local community, or online, championing our work by engaging with our social media, or volunteering in your own communities in the aftermath of a disaster, everyone can contribute to making a difference.

If you would like to be featured (or suggest someone else) in a future edition of "For a World of Good," please email pixie@deargirlfriday.com. We look forward to meeting you!