ABOUT US
The Third Space Foundation grew out of The Third Space, a coworking and community-building environment in Norman, Oklahoma in 2019. Our mission was to create an empowering and supportive third place where all individuals would feel welcome.
Unfortunately, the pandemic led us to shut down our coworking space, but we did not stop striving to address the needs of our community. We saw a need for fiscal sponsorship among visionaries who run small organizations. Forming a 501(c)(3) is not always possible for these organizations, but they cannot positively impact their communities without the ability to receive donations and other funding. By transitioning to serve as a fiscal sponsor and community foundation by lending our 501(c)(3) status to organizations, we are continuing to serve and strengthen our community.
OUR VALUES
The values that motivate The Third Space Foundation are:
transparency
respectful inclusion
open-minded growth
collaboration
hopeful and bold action
We are committed to being honest and trustworthy.
We are committed to promoting a spirit of openness in all that we do.
We are passionate about creating and cultivating an inclusive community.
We are committed to serving all of humanity in a respectful manner.
We believe in learning, growing and developing throughout life,
which involves engaging in open discussions and listening to others.
We are committed to collaborative work that facilitates the collective good and the joint promotion of our common interests.
We are passionate about maintaining positive and hopeful perspectives as a basis for bold and energetic action in our community.
board of directors
ANNE DELONG
Chair | she/her
Anne DeLong has been working at the Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Endreson & Perry law firm representing Native tribes since 2024. Anne graduated from Harvard Law School in May 2024. While in law school, she served as Treasurer of the Native American Law Students Association and was a teaching assistant for Matthew Fletcher’s Federal Indian Law course. Her other passion was defending tenants facing eviction as a student attorney with the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, completing over 1,600 pro bono hours. Prior to law school, Anne managed state and local electoral campaigns in Oklahoma from 2019-2021. She received a B.A. in International Area Studies at the University of Oklahoma in 2019. Anne grew up in Tulsa, OK and enjoys crafting beaded earrings, thrifting, and travelling in her free time.
NEIRA KADIć
Board Member | she/her
Neira Kadić has been working in the field of higher education for several years now and has experience working with both inbound and outbound international students through her roles in Education Abroad and International Admissions and Recruitment. She currently serves as the Assistant Director for the United World College Scholarship Program at The University of Oklahoma. Neira also teaches Global Perspectives courses at the university and holds both her BA and MA degrees in International Development. Originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Neira is passionate about and has done research and advocacy work in the fields of international education, post-conflict studies, transitional justice in the Western Balkans, as well as digital activism/ feminism and diaspora.
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trakel pinkston
Board Member | he/him
Kel Pinkston is a graduate of Oklahoma City University and a current candidate for a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration at Oklahoma State University. Kel works in Tribal health and is a proud citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, possessing a strong commitment to improving health outcomes in Indigenous communities. He is passionate about community health, wellness, empowerment, and leadership development, and is especially driven by opportunities to support and uplift others. In addition to professional work, he mentors disadvantaged youth through the nonprofit Hope for Generations, helping young people build confidence and leadership skills. He has also volunteered with organizations including the Youth Leadership Exchange, the Community Foundations of Oklahoma, and Putnam City Public Schools. Through both service and leadership, Kel is committed to strengthening communities and helping create meaningful, lasting impact.
LEXI HILL
Board Member | they/she
Lexi Hill is a proud member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and descendant of the Kiowa, Comanche, and Ottawa (Little River Band) Nations. Lexi is a council member of the Youth Advisory Subcommittee and a board member of the Third Space Foundation. They currently work as an Events Coordinator at the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board. They currently attend the University of Oklahoma and graduated from Oklahoma City Community College. Lexi is passionate about creating opportunities for Indigenous communities, by growing connections and partnerships that provide solutions-based approaches to health outcomes. Lexi specifically focuses on youth leadership and uplifting youth voices, substance abuse destigmatization and prevention, food sovereignty, and mental wellness. They continue to look for new opportunities that strike passion and effect change. They strive to approach all issues from an intersectional, decolonial, abolitionist, disability, and community-based proactive lens so that, together, we can start to change narratives and create healthier communities that truly work for all.
STAFF
SUZETTE GRILLOT
Executive Director & Founder | she/her
Dr. Suzette Grillot is the Founder and Executive Director of The Third Space Foundation. She is also a professor of international security studies at the University of Oklahoma, where she has served on the faculty for more than 25 years.
Hannah Grillot
Associate Director | she/her
Hannah is a graphic designer, social media manager, and administrator who works for The Third Space Foundation, the Julius Jones Institute, and The Kedusha Project, She is currently an MA student at the University of Chicago Divinity School.
Jennifer Winfrey
Finances & Bookkeeping | she/her
Jennifer Winfrey serves as the accountant for The Third Space Foundation. She has over 20 years’ experience in government and nonprofit sectors. Jennifer’s specialty is nonprofit accounting and grant management. She focuses on organized, efficient, and accountable practices to enhance the mission of your organization and uphold donor confidence. She is a Certified Grants Management Specialist, credentialed by the National Grants Management Association (NGMA) and a Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional. These credentials recognize her master level knowledge and demonstrate her dedication to the nonprofit sector.
CONTACT US
Thank you for your interest in The Third Space Foundation. We are available to answer any additional questions about our operations, partner organizations, what being a fiscal sponsor means, or how your tax-deductible donation will positively impact the community. We look forward to hearing from you.
