About Riley Mulcahy

I’m a consultant, writer and nonprofit executive helping mission-driven organizations turn values into strategy—and vision into momentum.

Leadership grounded in practice

As Founder and Executive Director of The RILEY Project, I build partnerships, educational initiatives and public conversations that advance belonging for neurodivergent people. As Director of Advancement & Outreach at Compass High School, I lead fundraising, communications, community engagement and partnership development for a school serving students with learning differences.

Those roles keep my consulting grounded in the real work of organizational leadership: aligning boards and staff, strengthening revenue, building trust, telling a clearer story and sustaining momentum when resources are limited.

A lived-experience perspective

My approach is shaped by dyslexia. Growing up dyslexic taught me that clarity does not come from speed; it comes from structure. I learned to recognize patterns, slow down complexity and explain systems in ways that help people act.

That perspective now shapes how I consult, write and lead. I look for where systems exclude people, where small design shifts can unlock participation and how story can become a tool for strategy, stewardship and change.

Public leadership and writing

I contribute to national and regional work through the National Center for Learning Disabilities’ Young Adult Leadership Council, the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit Steering Committee and board and advisory roles focused on education, belonging and social impact.

I also publish The LD Viewpoint and have contributed to KQED Perspectives. My writing explores neurodiversity, identity, education, nonprofit leadership and the infrastructure communities need in order to belong.

How I work

My consulting focuses on fundraising and advancement, donor and sponsor communications, narrative positioning, cross-sector partnerships, convenings and organizational strategy during periods of growth or transition.

I work with a limited number of organizations each year. If you need a partner who understands both the mission and the mechanics—and who can turn complexity into a practical path forward—I’d welcome the conversation.