Guiding Philanthropists and Innovators in Advancing Health

Glia Consulting works with leaders to deliver clear analysis, actionable strategies, and trusted connections that advance bold health initiatives.

Glia [glee-uh]: the intricate network of branched cells and fibers that supports the tissue of the central nervous system. From the Greek glía meaning “glue”.

About Me

I’m Liza Shoenfeld. With 15 years of experience in health innovation and philanthropy, I help leaders tackle complex problems with curiosity, rigor, and integrity. I excel at building the technical understanding and relationships necessary to ensure my clients’ resources are put to their highest and best use.

Before founding Glia Consulting, I was an early hire in the health sciences team at Gates Ventures, the private office of Bill Gates.

I led the creation of the Diagnostics Accelerator, the first life sciences program launched by Mr. Gates out of his private office. I developed Mr. Gates’s health and life sciences personal learning agenda, curated a network of experts across technical areas, and designed strategy and funding programs in Alzheimer's disease.

My experience also includes strategy consulting at Camber Collective and Navigant, advising clients across the health and life sciences ecosystem, including research institutes, global health organizations, specialty providers, pharma, biotech and medtech companies, public health agencies, and private offices. My experience spans therapeutic areas and functional domains, US and global health, and startup to large scale programs.

I have a particular expertise developing learning journeys, strategies, and partnerships for ultra high net worth family offices and philanthropists.

My background is in neuroscience at Bowdoin College, the University of California San Francisco, and the University of Washington, where I was a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow.

CV, references, and work samples are available upon request.

In the developing brain, neurons must navigate to precise positions and make specific connections. Glia, the support cells of the brain, act as scaffolds for this neuronal migration, help define connection targets, and facilitate neurons’ signaling.

I work with major philanthropists, foundations, and mission-driven organizations in health and life sciences.

Learning & Insights

Learning & Insights

I excel at synthesizing technical information and providing clear, executive-level analysis and recommendations to help clients make informed decisions.

  • Specific services include:

    Landscape and ecosystem analysis

    Opportunity identification and assessment

    Contextualized technical briefings

    Curated learning experiences

    Thought partnership

Partnerships & Network Building

Partnerships & Network Building

I help clients engage the technical and non-technical collaborators essential for programmatic success. Whether through coalitions, expert advisory boards, or multi-sector partnerships, I facilitate relationships that amplify impact.

  • Specific services include:

    Funding coalition development

    Key opinion leader engagement

    Facilitation for workshops, convenings

    Advisory board development

    Learning networks

Strategy & Initiative Development

Strategy & Initiative Development

I help leaders clarify priorities, build theories of change, and deliver impact. Drawing on experience developing large scale ($10M - $100M+) health programs, I design strategies and initiatives that put client resources to their highest and best use.

  • Specific services include:

    Strategic Planning

    Program and funding model design

    Funding and investment strategy

    Initiative incubation and launch support

    Portfolio reviews

Let’s start a conversation.

I work with philanthropists, foundations, and mission-driven organizations in health. Reach out to discuss potential collaborations.