07 Apr Buyan Named MCJ Director of Philanthropy

Jackson, MS – Elizabeth Buyan was named director of philanthropy for Mississippi Center for Justice. In this role, Elizabeth will lead the institution’s fundraising programs, including foundation giving, corporate sponsorships, signature events such as Mississippi on the Potomac and Champions of Justice, and individual giving.

“We are excited to have Elizabeth join us,” says President and CEO Vangela M. Wade, “Elizabeth’s creativity, extensive development and donor engagement background, and her outstanding organizational skills will support our renewed focus on strengthening existing donor relations and partnerships, as well as developing planned giving and endowment programs.” Wade, the former chair of the MCJ board of directors, became president and CEO January 2020.

Before joining MCJ, Elizabeth was associate director of advancement and campaign coordinator at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. She was instrumental in successfully raising more than $12.5 million to complete the largest capital campaign in the school’s history. Also in that role, she established a planned giving society, increased the endowment, grew programming, and cultivated involvement and investment across all constituencies.

“I couldn’t be more excited to work for such an important organization that is doing truly impactful and meaningful work for the people of Mississippi,” says Elizabeth, a native of Jackson. “It’s humbling to have the opportunity to work with the impassioned and talented individuals at MCJ, and it is inspiring to see how many others – from Mississippi and around the world – support and advocate for the work that we are doing here.”

Mississippi Center for Justice is a home-grown, public-service law firm committed to advancing racial, economicm, and social justice in Mississippi by dismantling the systemic discriminatory laws and practices that deny equal opportunities to African Americans and low-income people in Mississippi. Since 2003, MCJ’s lawyers and advocates have worked to create a better future for Mississippi through dedicated advocacy and legal campaigns centered around health care and public benefits, fair housing, consumer protection, immigration, disaster recovery, and impact litigation.

Elizabeth graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Belmont University and holds a master’s degree from Florida State University.