Valeriya Lukonen is a Grants Manager at the Helmsley Charitable Trust. In this role, Val manages grantmaking operations and compliance across programs, and collaborates with other departments to ensure communication and seamless processes. Val previously served as a Grants Associate at Helmsley.

Prior to joining Helmsley, Val worked at the Interest on Lawyer Account (IOLA) where she assisted in all aspects of grantmaking including reviewing applications, contracting, and distributing payments. She worked on a team to select and implement Smart Simple as IOLA’s new grant management system, which streamlined grantee reporting processes and created efficiencies for both staff and grantees. Prior to IOLA, Val worked at a number of nonprofits, including Innocence Project and the Starr Foundation.

Val studied at the George Washington University and received her Bachelor of Arts in international affairs with a focus on Europe and Eurasia. In her free time, she coaches a swim team, enjoys going to concerts, and tries to travel as often as her schedule allows.