CHIEF PROGRAM AND STRATEGY OFFICER

Vy Nguyen

Vy Nguyen rejoined the Foundation in 2026 as the Chief Program and Strategy Officer (CPSO). In this role, she serves as the key architect of the Foundation’s racial and economic justice strategy, leading the co design of strategic initiatives and ensuring that community voice and lived experience remain central to the Foundation’s work and investments.

Vy has dedicated her career to working for social justice, with experience in the nonprofit sector, philanthropy, and local government. Most recently, she served as Director of Spiritual Home at PICO California, the state’s largest faith based organizing network. Vy previously worked at the Weingart Foundation for nearly 15 years, focusing on philanthropic initiatives in housing and immigrant justice, as well as the Foundation’s small grants program for grassroots organizations.

Vy co edited the book One Bridge, Many Rivers: Organizing in Vietnamese American Communities and currently serves on the board of the California Immigrant Policy Center. Vy holds a B.A. in English Literature from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Phone: (213) 497-4708

CHIEF FINANCIAL AND INVESTMENT OFFICER

Bob Bancroft

Bob Bancroft joined the Foundation in 2026 as the Chief Financial and Investment Officer (CFIO). In this role, he plays a central part in advancing the Foundation’s commitment to 100% mission aligned investing. Bob brings 20 years of nonprofit and entrepreneurial experience working to enlist finance and capital markets as tools for social impact. He contributes deep expertise in finance, impact investing, accounting, governance, and technology to the Foundation, and believes strongly in the power of listening to bridge gaps and forge meaningful change.

Prior to joining Weingart, Bob served as Vice President of Finance and Mission Investing for the Nathan Cummings Foundation, where he led the transformation of their $450 million endowment toward a 100% mission aligned strategy to advance racial, economic, and environmental justice. Prior to that, he served as Director of Finance & Tax for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. Bob graduated from Boston University, summa cum laude, with a B.S. in management.

Phone: (213) 688-6302

PROGRAM OFFICER

Nancy Mejía

Nancy Mejía joined the Weingart Foundation in 2024 as Program Officer for Orange County. She brings nearly two decades of experience working with underserved communities of color to advance health equity and social justice through grassroots advocacy campaigns, coalition-building, research, and direct service. She most recently served as Chief Program Officer at Latino Health Access, an Orange County nonprofit and pioneer of the promotor/Community Health Worker model, where she advocated for, and designed systems and processes that center communities most impacted by inequity to drive solutions and decision-making.

Nancy was a founding Board member of THRIVE Santa Ana Community Land Trust, co-established the Santa Ana Streets Coalition, and is a lecturer for the U.C.I. Urban Planning and Public Policy Department. Nancy holds a M.P.H. and M.S.W. from Columbia University and B.A.s in Sociology and Latin American Studies from U.C.L.A. Born in El Salvador, she came to the U.S. with her family at the age of 6. Growing up in a working-class immigrant household nurtured her passion for social justice, cafecito, and pan dulce.

Phone: (213) 246-3669

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Silvia Fuentes

Silvia Fuentes is the first Communications Director at the Weingart Foundation. She leads the foundation’s strategic communications, using storytelling and narrative change to amplify its influence and advance its mission of racial, social, and economic justice across Southern California.

With a career focused on amplifying the voices of communities of color, Silvia has led communications, organizing, and advocacy campaigns on national and local levels for labor rights, immigration reform, civic engagement, and educational equity. Prior to joining Weingart, she held key communications roles at the California Community Foundation, United Ways of California, UNITE HERE, and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights.

Silvia holds a B.A. in advertising with a concentration in graphic design from the Art Center College of Design.

Phone: (213) 246-3328

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

Crystal Crawford

Crystal Crawford joined the Weingart Foundation in 2024 as its first Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships where she manages relationships with key stakeholders to expand the impact and efficacy of the Weingart Foundation and its commitment to racial justice. Crystal has extensive experience in the legal, philanthropic, and nonprofit sectors and most recently served as Executive Director of the Western Center on Law & Poverty, a trailblazing legal and advocacy organization that works to bring about systemic and structural change in every branch of government. Previously, she was a program director at The California Wellness Foundation where she developed the organization’s groundbreaking Women’s Initiatives, a multi-million-dollar investment that advanced the health and economic security of women of color. Before joining Cal Wellness, she served as C.E.O. of the California Black Women’s Health Project, the first statewide organization solely devoted to improving the health of California’s Black women and girls through policy, advocacy, education and outreach. Crystal earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Dartmouth College and law degree from the New York University School of Law. She is admitted to the bar in California, New York and New Jersey.

Phone: (213) 688-6318

PROGRAM OFFICER FOR HOUSING JUSTICE

Diana Amparo Jiménez

Diana Amparo Jiménez (she/they) joined the Weingart Foundation in 2023 as the first Program Officer for Housing Justice. In this role, Diana fosters grantmaking, convening, public/private partnerships, advocacy, and communications to advance the Foundation’s housing justice strategy in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura Counties.

Before joining the Weingart Foundation, Diana served as Program Associate for the Homelessness Initiative at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and as Project Manager at T.R.U.S.T. South LA’s Community Land Trust. She is a first-generation graduate and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Policy, Planning, and Development – Sustainable Planning Emphasis from the University of Southern California, Sol Price School of Public Policy. Diana is a descendant of the Nahua and Raramuri-Tarahumara nations and remains rooted in their ancestral practices of land, housing, and environmental justice.

Phone: (213) 688-6329

CONTROLLER

Mike Takata

Mike Takata joined the Weingart Foundation in 2023 as Controller. He has over 25 years of experience in accounting and finance. Prior to joining the Foundation, Mike spent nearly nine years at City National Bank, most recently as the Director of Accounting Operations. During this time, he was responsible for corporate accounting, accounts payable, fixed assets, and investment accounting. Mike holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Southern California and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Blanca Melchor

Blanca Melchor joined the Finance Team as an Administrative Assistant in 2022. She has over 16 years of administrative experience including considerable experience in event coordination. Most recently, she was an Administrator/Events Coordinator at the Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing (SCANPH).

Phone: (213) 688-6309 Ext. 6309

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Brian Williams

Brian Williams joined the Weingart Foundation in 2022 as the organization’s first Chief Operating Officer (C.O.O.) where he plays an instrumental role in driving Weingart’s innovation and operational excellence. Brian brings a wealth of expertise in corporate, entrepreneurial, and nonprofit leadership. Prior to joining Weingart, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the Los Angeles Urban League where he was a key architect of their dramatic turnaround helping to rebuild and reestablish the esteemed 100-year-old civil rights and economic justice organization. Brian holds an M.B.A. from Yale School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy from Yale College.

Phone: (424) 379-7777

PROGRAM OFFICER

Anthony Ng

Anthony joined the Weingart Foundation in 2022 as a Program Officer. He brings a decade of immigrant rights advocacy, organizing, campaign, and coalition-building experience. Anthony is a nationally recognized leader in the immigrant youth movement who firmly believes that directly impacted community members have a key role in leading and shaping social movements. As an experienced advocate and organizer, he has worked on innovative campaigns at the local, state, and national levels. Anthony recently served as the Dream Resource Center Project Director at the U.C.L.A. Labor Center. Before joining the U.C.L.A. Labor Center, he led the immigrant rights portfolio of Asian Americans Advancing Justice-L.A. Some of his proudest accomplishments include co-founding UPLIFT—an undocumented Asian and Pacific Islander youth-led organization in Los Angeles—and being recognized by Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) as an “Emerging Giant of Justice.” Anthony is an alumnus of the Foundation’s John W. Mack Movement Building Fellowship program and graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

Phone: (213) 688-6324

VICE PRESIDENT, PROGRAMS

Joyce Ybarra

As Vice President, Programs, Joyce Ybarra oversees implementation of the Foundation’s grantmaking and learning and assessment programs and staff. Joyce joined the Foundation in 2009 as a Program Officer and most recently held the position of Director of Grant Operations. Prior to joining the Foundation, she accumulated more than a decade of experience in the nonprofit and philanthropic sector including positions at The California Endowment and the Los Angeles Immigrant Funders’ Collaborative. Joyce has served on the boards of Koreatown Immigrant Workers Alliance and Thai Community Development Center, as Chair of the local Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy chapter, and as founding member of two giving circles dedicated to local API communities. Joyce received her master’s degree in public health from University of California, Los Angeles and her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from University of California, Irvine.

Phone: (213) 688-6304

SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER
PROGRAM LEAD: RIVERSIDE AND SAN BERNARDINO COUNTIES

Patricia Watkins

Patricia Watkins joined the Weingart Foundation in 2011 as a Program Associate and is currently a Senior Program Officer, as of May, 2024. Prior to joining the Foundation, she served as Associate Director of Health Initiatives for the National Council of La Raza. Patricia holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and Spanish.

Phone: (213) 688-6305

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT & C.E.O

Priscilla Savage

Priscilla Savage joined the Weingart Foundation in 2000 as Administrative Assistant, Real Estate. She currently serves as Executive Assistant to the President & C.E.O. Prior to joining the Foundation, Priscilla spent nine years at Charles Dunn Real Estate Services.

Phone: (213) 688-6311

SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER
PROGRAM CO-LEAD: LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Sara L. Montrose

Sara Montrose was promoted to Senior Program Officer, as of May, 2024, having previously served the Weingart Foundation as Program Associate and Program Officer. She came to the Foundation with over a decade of experience in nonprofit program management and teaching. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2007, Sara spent seven years as a Program Manager at Voices for Children, the San Diego affiliate of the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sara holds a bachelor’s degree with a major in psychology and a minor in Latin American studies.

Phone: (213) 688-6303

SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER
PROGRAM CO-LEAD: SOUTHEAST LOS ANGELES AND LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Eric Medina

Eric Medina joined the Weingart Foundation as a Program Associate in 2012 and is currently a Senior Program Officer, as of May, 2024. Prior to joining the Foundation, Eric served as Program Officer for the LA84 Foundation. He also spent more than eight years at Community Partners, providing technical assistance in the fiscal sponsorship program. Eric has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from University of California, Santa Barbara.

Phone: (213) 688-6316

PROGRAM OFFICER

Nikki Kelley

Nikki Kelley joined the Weingart Foundation as Program Assistant in 2019. Prior to joining the Foundation, Nikki served as Executive Assistant for the James Irvine Foundation and Grants Manager for YWCA Greater Los Angeles. She also spent more than nine years at the City of Los Angeles as a field support deputy for former Councilmembers Nate Holden, Cindy Miscikowski, and Bill Rosendahl.

Phone: (213) 688-6307

PROGRAM DIRECTOR
BLACK JUSTICE AND HEALING

Dana Henry

Dana Henry joined the Weingart Foundation as a Program Officer in 2020, focusing on the Foundation’s grantmaking and broader funding strategy in South Los Angeles. She brings more than 20 years of experience working with and expanding opportunities for vulnerable children, youth and families in Los Angeles and other cities in the region. Dana previously worked with the L.A. affiliate of Communities In Schools (CIS), a national organization focused on helping children and their families access and navigate the maze of public and private services in school and community. She holds a bachelor’s degree in American Literature from University of California, Los Angeles.

Phone: (213) 688-6326

DIRECTOR OF LEARNING & IMPACT

Aimée Fribourg

Aimée is the Director of Learning & Impact at the Weingart Foundation. She joined the Foundation in 2019 as Manager of Learning and Assessment, bringing over a decade of experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods and is committed to using data to improve services that impact under-resourced communities. Prior to joining the Foundation, she was a Senior Research Consultant at Harder+Company Community Research, where she developed evaluation and facilitation projects in the philanthropic, nonprofit, and public sectors. Aimée received her master’s degree in public policy from the Goldman School at the University of California, Berkeley, and her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

Phone: (213) 688-6325

PROGRAM OFFICER
PROGRAM LEAD: ORANGE COUNTY

Terrie Doizaki

Terrie Doizaki joined the Weingart Foundation in 2006 as a Program Associate and was promoted in 2007 to Program Officer, responsible for reviewing Regular Grant Program requests from Orange County. Prior to joining the Foundation, she served as Development Manager for the Pasadena Mental Health Association. Terrie holds a master’s degree in public policy from Claremont Graduate University and a bachelor’s degree in government from Claremont McKenna College.

Email: tdoizaki@weingartfnd.org
Phone: (213) 688-6318

DIRECTOR, LEADERSHIP FOR MOVEMENTS

Vera de Vera

Vera de Vera joined the Weingart Foundation in 2018 as Director, Leadership for Movements. In her current role, she leads the John W. Mack Movement Building Fellows Program. Vera has nearly two decades of experience in philanthropy. Most recently she served as the Director of the California Community Foundation’s Community Building and Nonprofit Sustainability initiatives and previously the Western Regional Director of the Fannie Mae Foundation. She has served on a number of nonprofit boards over her career and currently serves as a board trustee for the Durfee Foundation and the Center for Courage and Renewal. Vera holds a juris doctor degree from Southwestern University College of Law. She also received a master’s degree in urban planning and a bachelor’s degree in political science from UCLA and is a Certified Professional Coach.

Phone: (213) 688-6313

GRANTS MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATE

Ericka Puyat

Ericka Puyat joined the Weingart Foundation in 2019 where she serves as grants management associate, providing support for facilities management, accounting and other office activities. Ericka received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from University of California, Riverside where she graduated cum laude, and was a founding member of the University Honors Media Team. In addition to business and administrative skills, Ericka is a freelance photographer and videographer.

Phone: (213) 688-7799

GRANTS MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATE

Guadalupe Mejia

Guadalupe Mejia joined the Weingart Foundation in 2011 as Administrative Assistant and currently serves as Grants Management Associate. Prior to joining the Foundation, she worked as an administrative assistant for a thermal processing company in Los Angeles.

OPERATIONS AND MEETING LOGISTICS MANAGER

Guillermo Flores

Guillermo Flores joined the Weingart Foundation as Operations and Meeting Logistics Manager in 2019 where he is responsible for facilities management and staffing and client relations for the Foundation’s Shared Space Conference Center. Prior to joining the Foundation, Guillermo worked with California Community Foundation in launching and managing CCF’s Joan Palevsky Center, and served as Conferences Services Coordinator for the California Science Center. Guillermo received an M.B.A. in hospitality event leadership, and a bachelor’s degree in Sports/Entertainment/Special Event Management from Johnson and Wales University.

Phone: (213) 688-6322

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

Amy Eritsian

Amy Eritsian joined the Weingart Foundation in 2017 as a Senior Accountant. Amy possesses over three years of experience in public accounting as a financial auditor, specializing in non-profits and private foundations. Before starting her career in accounting, she worked for Los Angeles County Department of Community and Senior Services. Amy holds a master’s degree in accounting and financial management and a bachelor’s degree in business marketing with a minor in media management from California State University, Northridge.

GRANTS MANAGER

Angela Carr

Angela Carr joined Weingart Foundation in 2009 as a program assistant. As Grants Manager, she is responsible for database management and information systems that support the Foundation’s overall grantmaking. Prior to her transition into philanthropy, she worked with Boys & Girls Clubs for seven years. Angela holds a master’s degree in public administration from California State University, Fullerton, and a bachelor’s degree from Hope International University in California.

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM INVESTMENTS

Rosa Benitez

Rosa Benitez joined the Weingart Foundation in 2008 as a Program Officer and is currently Director of Program Investments. She possesses more than a decade of experience working in both the public and nonprofit sectors. Prior to joining the Foundation, Rosa served as a Program Officer at the California Community Foundation, where she managed its grantmaking portfolio in the area of housing. She holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in political science from California State University, Los Angeles.

PRESIDENT & C.E.O.

Miguel A. Santana

Miguel A. Santana has over 30 years of experience leading numerous fiscal, legislative, political, and community issues. He served as President and C.E.O. of Fairplex since 2016, a nonprofit community benefit regional organization based in Pomona, CA. Previously, Miguel was the City Administrative Officer for the City of Los Angeles, where he oversaw the City’s $9 billion budget and designed the City’s first comprehensive homeless strategy, resulting in a $1.2 billion voter-approved housing bond and a doubling of the City’s general fund investment on programs to end homelessness. Prior to joining the City, Miguel served as one of five Deputy Chief Executive Officers for Los Angeles County, overseeing all social service programs supporting children, families, veterans and persons experiencing homelessness.

Miguel was appointed President & C.E.O. of the Weingart Foundation in 2021. He engages in numerous civic efforts to create a more equitable Southern California region, including serving as Chair of the Committee for Greater L.A. He also serves on numerous nonprofit boards, including the Whittier College Board of Trustees.

Miguel has a B.A. in Sociology and Latin American Studies from Whittier College and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University.