The team at Nonprofits.Club has meticulously curated a list of the top 50 nonprofit influencers who are transforming the San Francisco Bay Area. This selection was based on several criteria, including the impact of their work, their leadership within their organizations, their commitment to social justice and equity, and their contributions to the community. These leaders are at the forefront of driving change and making a significant difference in the lives of those they serve. Let’s celebrate their achievements and the positive impact they are making in our community.
Maureen Sedonaen, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco
As CEO of Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco, she has led efforts to provide affordable housing and homeownership opportunities in the Bay Area. She has expanded the organization’s impact and partnerships with local communities.
Pastor Paul Bains, Founder and Chairman, United Hope Builders and WeHOPE
Founder of United Hope Builders and WeHOPE, he has worked to address homelessness and provide support services in East Palo Alto and beyond. His organizations offer shelter, job training, and other assistance to those in need.
Hamdiya Cooks-Abdullah, Advocate, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children
As an advocate with Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, she has fought for the rights of incarcerated individuals and their families. Her work has focused on policy changes and support for formerly incarcerated people.
Corrina Gould, Tribal Chair, Confederated Villages of Lisjan Nation; Co-founder, Indian People Organizing for Change
Co-founder of Indian People Organizing for Change, she has been a leading voice for indigenous rights and land preservation in the Bay Area. Her work has raised awareness about sacred sites and Native American issues.
Anne E. Price, Co-president and Founder, The Maven Collaborative
As Co-president of The Maven Collaborative, she has focused on addressing racial wealth gaps and economic inequities. Her work combines research, policy advocacy, and strategic consulting to advance economic justice.
Fred Blackwell, CEO, San Francisco Foundation
Leading the San Francisco Foundation, he has directed significant resources towards addressing racial equity and economic inclusion in the Bay Area. He has championed initiatives to support underserved communities.
James Head, President and CEO, East Bay Community Foundation
At the East Bay Community Foundation, he has worked to increase philanthropic impact in the East Bay, focusing on equity, community engagement, and addressing systemic issues affecting marginalized populations.
Nicole Taylor, President and CEO, Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Leading Silicon Valley Community Foundation, she has emphasized local giving and addressing regional challenges. She has worked to align philanthropic efforts with community needs in Silicon Valley.
Lateefah Simon, President, Akonadi Foundation
As President of Akonadi Foundation, she has directed resources towards racial justice initiatives. Her leadership has supported grassroots organizing and movement building in communities of color.
Catherine Crystal Foster, President and CEO, San Mateo County Community Foundation
At the San Mateo County Community Foundation, she has focused on addressing local challenges and building community resilience. Her work has emphasized collaborative approaches to philanthropy.
Zachary Norris, Executive Director, Ella Baker Center for Human Rights
Leading the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, he has advocated for alternatives to incarceration and policies that create opportunity in urban communities. His work focuses on criminal justice reform and community reinvestment.
Kathy Jackson, CEO, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley
As CEO of Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, she significantly expanded the organization’s reach and impact in addressing food insecurity. She led innovative approaches to food distribution and community partnerships.
Kevin Zwick, CEO, United Way Bay Area
As CEO of United Way Bay Area, Zwick has led efforts to address poverty and create equitable pathways to prosperity. He expanded the organization’s impact, developed new partnerships, and implemented initiatives focused on housing justice and racial equity.
Susan S. Muranishi, County Administrator, Alameda County
As County Administrator for Alameda County, Muranishi has overseen the administration of numerous social services and community programs. Her leadership has impacted various nonprofit organizations that partner with the county to serve vulnerable populations.
Michael Pappas, Executive Director, San Francisco Interfaith Council
As Executive Director of the San Francisco Interfaith Council, Pappas has fostered collaboration among diverse faith communities and strengthened partnerships with civic leaders and NGOs. He has expanded the Council’s programs and budget, enhancing its impact on social issues.
Jan Masaoka, CEO, California Association of Nonprofits
As CEO of California Association of Nonprofits, Masaoka has been a leading voice for the nonprofit sector. She has advocated for policies supporting charitable organizations, provided resources to strengthen nonprofits, and authored influential publications on nonprofit management.
Cynthia Chavez, Executive Director, Homeless Prenatal Program
As Executive Director of the Homeless Prenatal Program, Chavez has led efforts to break the cycle of childhood poverty. Her work has focused on providing support to homeless and low-income families, particularly in areas of prenatal care, housing, and family stability.
Paul Ash, Executive Director, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
As Executive Director of the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, Ash has significantly expanded the organization’s reach and impact in addressing food insecurity. He has implemented innovative approaches to food distribution and fostered community partnerships.
Shireen McSpadden, Executive Director, San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing
As Executive Director of San Francisco’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, McSpadden has led citywide efforts to address homelessness. Her work has involved coordinating with numerous nonprofits to implement housing and support services.
Jennifer Loving, CEO, Destination: Home
As CEO of Destination: Home, Loving has been at the forefront of efforts to end homelessness in Santa Clara County. She has led innovative initiatives, fostered cross-sector collaborations, and advocated for systemic changes in housing policy.
Becky Morgan, President, Morgan Family Foundation
As President of the Morgan Family Foundation, Morgan has directed philanthropic resources to support youth, education, and environmental causes. Her leadership has strengthened numerous nonprofits in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.
Daniel Lurie, Founder and CEO, Tipping Point Community
As Founder and former CEO of Tipping Point Community, Lurie pioneered a model of engaged philanthropy focused on fighting poverty in the Bay Area. He has mobilized significant resources and fostered collaborations to support effective nonprofits and drive systemic change.
Jose Corona, Vice President, Programs and Partnerships, Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation
As Vice President of Programs and Partnerships at Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, Corona has led grantmaking and strategic partnerships to address food insecurity, education, and youth development in Oakland. His previous work as CEO of Inner City Advisors focused on job creation and economic development in underserved communities.
Anne Wilson, CEO, United Way of the Bay Area
As CEO of United Way Bay Area for 20 years, Wilson transformed the organization into a leading force in fighting poverty. She expanded UWBA’s impact through innovative programs and partnerships, focusing on financial stability, education, and basic needs for vulnerable populations.
Kara Dukakis, Director, Strong Start Initiative, Children Now
As Director of the Strong Start Initiative at Children Now, Dukakis has championed early childhood development and education. Her work has focused on policy advocacy and research to improve outcomes for children, particularly in areas of early brain development and K-12 education.
Mary Gregory, Executive Director, Family Connections
As Executive Director of Family Connections, Gregory has led efforts to support low-income families through education and community-building programs. Her work has focused on breaking cycles of poverty through family-centered approaches.
David Greco, President and CEO, Social Sector Partners
As President and CEO of Social Sector Partners, Greco has been a nationally recognized consultant and speaker on creating a more financially sustainable and effective social sector. He has advised numerous nonprofits on strategic planning, financial management, and organizational development.
Debbie Alvarez-Rodriguez, CEO, La Cocina
As CEO of La Cocina, Alvarez-Rodriguez has led a nonprofit kitchen incubator that cultivates low-income food entrepreneurs. Her work has focused on economic empowerment and supporting immigrant and women-owned businesses in the food industry.
Eric McDonnell, CEO, United Way of the Bay Area
As CEO of United Way Bay Area, McDonnell has continued the organization’s focus on poverty alleviation and community development. He has been recognized as a thought leader in the nonprofit sector, emphasizing collaborative approaches to addressing social issues.
Ruben Abrica, Executive Director, Nuestra Casa
As a community leader and educator, Abrica has contributed to nonprofit work through his involvement in various civic and educational initiatives. While specific information about his role as Executive Director of Nuestra Casa was not provided, his background suggests a focus on community empowerment and education.
Susan True, CEO, Community Foundation Santa Cruz County
As CEO of Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, True has led efforts to address local challenges and build community resilience. Her work has focused on strategic grantmaking and fostering collaborations to address issues such as housing, education, and economic opportunity.
Judy Patrick, President and CEO, Women’s Foundation of California
As President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation of California, Patrick led efforts to advance gender equity and women’s empowerment. Her work focused on grantmaking, policy advocacy, and leadership development to support women and girls across California.
Ruben Garcia, Executive Director, Centro Legal de la Raza
As Executive Director of Centro Legal de la Raza, Ruben Garcia has led efforts to provide comprehensive legal services to low-income, immigrant, and Latino communities in the Bay Area. His work focuses on housing rights, workers’ rights, and immigration law, ensuring access to justice for marginalized populations.
Patricia Erwin, Executive Director, San Francisco Education Fund
As Executive Director of the San Francisco Education Fund, Patricia Erwin has championed educational equity and community engagement. She has led initiatives to support public schools, enhance student achievement, and foster partnerships between schools and the community to improve educational outcomes.
David Friedman, President, Bay Area Council Economic Institute
As President of the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, David Friedman has contributed to regional economic development and policy research. His leadership has focused on fostering public-private partnerships, conducting economic analysis, and advocating for policies that promote sustainable growth and innovation in the Bay Area.
Cynthia Murray, President and CEO, North Bay Leadership Council
As President and CEO of the North Bay Leadership Council, Cynthia Murray has worked to address regional challenges through collaboration and advocacy. She has focused on economic development, education, and workforce development, bringing together business, government, and nonprofit leaders to create positive change.
Randy Shaw, Executive Director, Tenderloin Housing Clinic
As Executive Director of the Tenderloin Housing Clinic, Randy Shaw has been a prominent advocate for affordable housing and tenant rights in San Francisco. He co-founded Uptown Tenderloin, Inc., and has led efforts to preserve and improve housing for low-income residents, as well as spearheading the creation of the Tenderloin Museum.
Kathy Calvin, President and CEO, United Nations Foundation
As former President and CEO of the United Nations Foundation, Kathy Calvin has been a passionate advocate for global issues and multi-sector problem-solving. She has led initiatives to support the UN’s work on decreasing child mortality, empowering women and girls, and promoting sustainable development through public-private partnerships.
Diane Tavenner, CEO, Summit Public Schools
As CEO of Summit Public Schools, Diane Tavenner has revolutionized education through her focus on personalized, project-based learning. She co-founded Summit to prepare students for college and beyond, emphasizing critical thinking and real-world skills. Her work has influenced educational practices nationwide.
Randy Haykin, Founder and Managing Director, The Gratitude Network
As Founder and Managing Director of The Gratitude Network, Randy Haykin has supported social entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders. His organization provides coaching, mentorship, and resources to help scale innovative solutions addressing education, health, and economic development for children and youth globally.
Pamela Hinds, Executive Director, Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society
As Executive Director of the Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society, Pamela Hinds has advanced research and education on philanthropy and social innovation. Her work focuses on understanding and improving the impact of philanthropic efforts and fostering collaboration between academia, nonprofits, and the private sector.
Molly Turner, Executive Director, Berkeley Haas Center for Responsible Business
As Executive Director of the Berkeley Haas Center for Responsible Business, Molly Turner has promoted sustainable and socially responsible business practices. She has led initiatives to integrate social impact into business education and foster partnerships between businesses and nonprofits to address global challenges.
David Grusky, Director, Stanford Center on Poverty and Inequality
As Director of the Stanford Center on Poverty and Inequality, David Grusky has led groundbreaking research on economic inequality and social mobility. His work has provided valuable insights into the structural causes of poverty and informed policies aimed at reducing inequality and improving economic opportunities for disadvantaged populations.
Mindy Romero, Founder and Director, California Civic Engagement Project
Mindy Romero is the Founder and Director of the Center for Inclusive Democracy (formerly the California Civic Engagement Project) at USC. Her research focuses on political behavior and race/ethnicity, particularly among youth and communities of color. She has worked extensively to increase civic engagement and political participation in underrepresented communities, influencing policy and advocacy efforts.
Chris Block, CEO, American Leadership Forum – Silicon Valley
As CEO of the American Leadership Forum – Silicon Valley, Chris Block has been instrumental in fostering collaborative leadership and addressing critical issues in the community. His work focuses on building networks of leaders from diverse sectors to drive systemic change and improve social outcomes in the Silicon Valley region.
Kimberly Bryant, Founder and CEO, Black Girls CODE
Kimberly Bryant is the Founder and CEO of Black Girls CODE, an organization dedicated to empowering young women of color to pursue careers in technology. Since its inception in 2011, Black Girls CODE has provided coding and technology education to thousands of girls, promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry and inspiring the next generation of innovators.
Susan Wojcicki, CEO, YouTube (Philanthropic efforts in education and technology)
As the former CEO of YouTube, Susan Wojcicki has been a strong advocate for education and technology. She has supported initiatives that prioritize coding in schools, oppose gender bias in tech companies, and expand access to educational resources. Wojcicki is also a signatory of the Giving Pledge, committing to donate a significant portion of her wealth to philanthropic causes.
Marc Benioff, CEO, Salesforce (Philanthropic efforts through Salesforce Foundation)
Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce, is renowned for his philanthropic efforts through the Salesforce Foundation and the 1-1-1 model, which dedicates 1% of the company’s equity, product, and employee time to communities. He and his wife, Lynne, have donated millions to children’s healthcare, education, and homelessness initiatives, significantly impacting the Bay Area and beyond.
Laurene Powell Jobs, Founder and President, Emerson Collective
Laurene Powell Jobs is the Founder and President of Emerson Collective, an organization that focuses on education, immigration reform, social justice, and environmental conservation. She has also co-founded College Track, which helps underserved students graduate from college. Her philanthropic efforts aim to create systemic change and support innovative solutions to social issues.
Reed Hastings, Co-founder and CEO, Netflix (Philanthropic efforts in education)
Reed Hastings, Co-founder and CEO of Netflix, has made significant contributions to education through his philanthropic efforts. He established the Hastings Fund with a $100 million commitment to support education initiatives, particularly charter schools and online learning. Hastings is also a signatory of the Giving Pledge, dedicating a substantial portion of his wealth to educational causes.
These individuals are not only leaders but also champions of change, tirelessly working to improve the lives of those in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their dedication and efforts are inspiring and worthy of recognition. At Nonprofits.Club, we believe in celebrating such impactful work and fostering a community where leaders can learn from and support one another.
We invite you to join us in acknowledging these influencers and also to suggest other notable names who deserve recognition for their contributions. Share your suggestions with us and help us continue to shine a light on those who make our communities stronger and more vibrant.
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