Hagar Berlin founded Caterpillar Partners after  20+ years leading fundraising and communications in high impact education organizations.

Achievements

Throughout her career, Hagar has made an impact by:

  • Leading seven and eight-figure capital and growth campaigns

  • Launching cash grant programs to support students and families

  • Serving on 4-11 member executive teams for $30MM+ organizations

  • Hiring, training, and leading teams of up to 20 employees

  • Raising $50 million for schools and education non-profit organizations

  • Training Executive Directors and boards in 15+ US markets

About

Hagar grew up in New York City and moved to the suburbs for high school, giving her a very personal experience of inequities impacting urban youth. Since then, she has pursued a lifelong commitment to education reform.

After graduating from Wesleyan University in Connecticut, Hagar moved to San Francisco, CA where she held leadership positions at national nonprofits, including Jumpstart, Summer Search, and Reading Partners. Hagar also earned her Masters in education from Stanford University.

After relocating to Greater Boston, MA, Hagar spent seven years as the Chief Development Officer for Brooke Charter Schools before launching Caterpillar Partners in 2024. When she’s not working, Hagar is with her husband and two daughters and pursuing one of her many passions: writing, cooking, yoga, and watching live music.

Executive Director
Hyde Square Task Force

Celina Miranda

Hagar has added so much value when we needed it most. She has expertly helped us identify gaps, developed clear and strategic solutions to strengthen our fundraising and storytelling. Hagar has been a fantastic thought partner, an astute listener, a clear communicator, and always strategic in her approach.