Named Claremont's Community Hero in 2017, Shoes That Fit CEO has lived in Claremont and worked in nonprofit management and development for over 25 years.

When the opportunity arose to lead Shoes That Fit—a Claremont-based, national nonprofit that has been delivering shoes to children in need for 30 years—Fass knew the organization well and was proud to take on the challenge. Before becoming Executive Director in 2014, she had been a consultant for Shoes That Fit since 2008. Shoes That Fit was named California Nonprofit of the Year by the California State Assembly in 2017. In 2019, The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation selected her for a scholarship to Stanford's Executive Program in Nonprofit Management.

Fass' development career began at Pomona College, where she served as Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations; she then worked for the University of California, Berkeley, securing major gifts for the campus’ $1.2 billion campaign. After the birth of her daughter, she began consulting non-profits on development and strategic planning, which she believes are intimately linked. She has been very active in the local community, chairing the Boards of Mt. San Antonio Gardens (retirement community), the City of Claremont’s Architectural Commission, House of Ruth (domestic violence prevention agency) and Claremont Heritage.

Amy earned her B.A. at Stanford University and in May 2019 completed an Executive Program in Nonprofit Management there; she also holds a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, dog and cat. Having lived in many parts of the country, she loves to travel and see how others view of the world.
As a mom and someone who spent a large part of her career in the education sector, she understands the importance of education and believes deeply in the Shoes That Fit mission that all children deserve to attend school with dignity and joy, prepared to learn, play and thrive.

Nekeda Newell-Hall has a golden contacts list.  She has been on the forefront of product placement and brand integration for many years having done one of the first ever product-gifting suites at FOX’s 2^nd Annual Teen Choice Awards. Nekeda spent five years as the Associate Director of Entertainment Marketing at NIKE where she was responsible for overseeing entertainment marketing, operations, music, film, and television for the sports giant. In addition to placing product on top celebrities, Nekeda co-authored and executed Nike’s Music Influencer Program.  She has worked with music personalities like Madonna, Janet Jackson, Destiny’s Child, Justin Timberlake, Elton John, Sean “Puffy” Combs, Jay-Z, David Foster (music producer), Randy Jackson (American Idol), Celine Dion and many more.

Ms. Newell-Hall got her start working in Player and Talent Relations for the National Basketball Association. Booking celebrities for NBA events, games, and television shows helped spark Nekeda’s curiosity in the art of the deal.  Her negotiating skills were honed with stints at prestigious firms The William Morris Agency (WME) and ICM Partners. Pitching and booking celebrities and sports stars (NBA, NFL, MLB and MLS) for book deals, television commercials, voice-overs and sitcom appearances would later prove handy.

Nekeda added philanthropy to her career arc by joining Shoes That Fit to launch the Strategic Partners program.  She leads the team responsible for working with corporations, celebrities and athletes to help provide new athletic shoes for kids in need nationwide. Nekeda also helps to oversee the Marcomm’s function for the organization.  Some of the most notable partnerships Nekeda has helped to steward at Shoes That Fit include NBA stars, Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan, DeAndre Bembry, The Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Galaxy, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers, LA Rams and Atlanta Hawks and Porsche Cars North America.

In addition to her work at Shoes That Fit, Nekeda continues to consult with brands and celebrities on their philanthropic efforts and marketing initiatives.  She is most proud of her work with Gatorade, Viacom, Diesel Footwear, Nautica, T-Mobile, Nickelodeon, and VolunteerMatch.

Ms. Newell-Hall is a partner in strut Agency and co-host of the podcast, The Sneaker Chronicles.  She resides in Los Angeles and is the proud mom of two teens and one fur baby.  She is actively involved in Grambling State University’s National Alumni Association and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.  Nekeda’s ultimate goal is to leverage her corporate, entertainment and sports relationships to help make the world a better and more joyful place.  She gets to do that every day with Shoes That Fit by giving kids hope in the form of new athletic shoes so they can remain physically active, learn, play and thrive.  In return, she gets to see all the little smiles.  Priceless.