Romanita Hairston

Program Director with the Murdock Charitable Trust and Founder of More320
Experienced in community-led change in urban and rural settings across the U.S.
Passionate advocate for children in poverty in the United States and abroad

Romanita has spent over two decades working with individuals and families living in under-resourced communities. She has  seen the power of positive relationships, supportive families and strong community systems in improving the lives of children. She believes in the power of purposeful collective action to end poverty, fight injustice and build a better world for children.

Romanita leads with a conviction that “we all give back by starting where we are with what we have to achieve sustainable solutions to poverty here and around the world.” She has dedicated her life, professionally and personally, to improving the well-being of children.

This drive to “give back” led to 20 years of service with World Vision domestic programs that included 10 years leading all domestic operations. She now serves as the President and Founder of MORE and as a Program Director for The Murdock Charitable Trust. Romanita says, “These two roles allow me to work on both ends of the social sector. I can increase individual and organizational impact through direct service, capacity development and thought leadership alongside contributing to organizational impact through philanthropy. It’s a perfect combination.”

Romanita believes, “it is important to demonstrate service beyond one’s paid vocation when you are asking others to do the same. We should always be willing to fulfill the call we make to others.” This has led to a vibrant life of local volunteerism and service. Romanita is a national spokesperson on issues related to poverty and child well-being. Romanita holds two bachelors degrees from the University of Washington as well as an MBA from Eastern University of Philadelphia. She currently serves on the board of The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, Urban Alliance, Opportunity Nation, Praxis, and Urban Family Center.

An academic all-star in college, Romanita was accepted to law school and into a PhD program, but her heart was calling her to help children change their lives. Romanita is now pursuing a Ph.D. in theology through Trinity University in the UK. She and her husband, Dwight, make their home in Seattle and they have five children.