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Message from Miguel A. Santana, President and C.E.O.
August 22, 2023
It is with mixed emotions that I announce that I will be ending my tenure as President and CEO of the Weingart Foundation effective September 30, 2023. I will embark on a new chapter as President and CEO of the California Community Foundation (CCF) starting October 16, 2023.
I have served the Weingart Foundation for more than seven years, initially as a board member and later as its chief executive. During that time, I am proud to have furthered the Foundation’s commitment to racial, social, and economic justice. Notably, we expanded our impact by integrating our grantmaking and endowment, resulting in over $88 million of mission-aligned investments in our community during the last fiscal year alone. This substantial investment represents more than 10% of the Foundation’s total assets.
We have also embarked on a journey of truth and reconciliation, a vital step in solidifying our commitment to being an anti-racist foundation. This process has enlightened our understanding of how racist policies contributed to the wealth we steward. This knowledge also grounds our commitment to our mission and the community.
I hold deep gratitude for the Foundation’s dedicated partners throughout Southern California, from Ventura, Orange and Los Angeles counties, the Inland Empire and the Antelope Valley, to South and East Los Angeles. I look forward to maintaining my relationship with these community partners in my new role at CCF.
My heartfelt appreciation extends to the Weingart Foundation Board of Directors, led by current Board Chair, Monica Lozano and past Chair, Aileen Adams. Equally, I extend my gratitude to the Leadership Team of Joanna Jackson, Vice President of Programs, Tim Ortez, Chief Financial and Investment Officer, and Brian Williams, Chief Operating Officer, and the entire Weingart team. We should all be comforted knowing the Foundation and its mission are in their very capable hands.
I look forward to working with the Weingart Foundation and the broader philanthropic community in the years to come to advance a more equitable and just Southern California for all Angelenos.
President & C.E.O.
Recent President’s Messages
Message from Miguel A. Santana, President and C.E.O.
Celebrating New Partnerships
Message from Miguel A. Santana, President and C.E.O.: Celebrating Partnerships
Celebrating New Partnerships
Message from Miguel A. Santana, President & C.E.O.: In the Wake of Injustice
The acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse is both unbelievable and believable.
Message from Miguel A. Santana, President & C.E.O.: Reflections and Looking Ahead—The F.Y. 2022 Program Plan
I joined the Weingart Foundation as President and C.E.O. this past January with a strong appreciation for the role the Foundation plays in combating the historic and chronic barriers that have resulted in an inequitable Southern California.
Message from Miguel A. Santana, President & C.E.O.: Reflection
I remember the first time I felt like an American. On my way cross country to New England to begin my graduate program, I stopped at Port Huron, Michigan to an address handwritten on the back of a black and white photograph of my paternal grandparents. In the 1920s it was the home of Victoria and José Santana.
Message from Miguel A. Santana, President & C.E.O.: Anti-Asian Racism and Violence Hurts Us All
On March 16, a shooter killed eight people in Atlanta; six of the victims were identified as Asian and seven were women. At least four of the people killed were of Korean descent. The Weingart Foundation stands with communities in our collective grief and outrage at these tragic deaths. We condemn the anti-Asian racism that has led to increased hate speech and violence against Asian American communities.