Empowering Purpose. Building Capacity. Strengthening Communities.
Founder of Blue Lotus Consulting, L.L.C., I’m a board-certified coach, grant consultant, and certified Lifecycle Capacity Consultant with over 30 years of experience in higher education, business, and the nonprofit sector. I launched Blue Lotus in 2016 to help mission-driven organizations grow with clarity, purpose, and strategy through expert grant writing, coaching, and capacity-building services.
About Dr. Morton
My Mission and Vision
My mission is to empower mission-driven organizations through practical, equity-centered services in grant writing, coaching, and capacity building. I partner with clients to strengthen their systems, amplify their impact, and create lasting, sustainable change. My vision is to be a trusted resource for those working to build thriving, inclusive communities—helping them grow with intention and lead with purpose across generations.
Bridging knowledge and impact
My academic journey was intentionally built to bridge knowledge with impact. I hold a Ph.D. in Social Foundations in Education from SUNY Buffalo, an M.S. in Student Personnel Administration and Adult Education from Buffalo State College, and a B.S. in Sociology and Business Administration from D’Youville University. This interdisciplinary foundation allows me to support organizations from multiple angles—understanding community needs, designing inclusive programs, and strengthening operational systems.
Creating fundable, sustainable programs
Throughout my career, I’ve helped nonprofits, small businesses, educational institutions, and foundations secure funding, build capacity, and lead with confidence. I’ve served as a grant administrator, foundation director, and proposal reviewer for funders such as the U.S. Department of Education, National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Institute of Health (NIH). These experiences give me a deep, inside-out understanding of what makes programs fundable and sustainable.
Actively involved in my community
Outside of my work, I’m a proud wife, mom, and active board member supporting community wellness, health equity, and second-chance initiatives. I’m especially passionate about uplifting women, justice-involved individuals, and underserved populations. I also proudly serve with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated—Psi Omega Zeta Chapter in Rochester, NY, where service, sisterhood, and social justice guide our mission.