Lasting Changes Through Co-Governance

In order to make real changes in our communities, it is not enough to win elections. When progressive candidates get elected, philanthropy must provide them the support they need to govern effectively with the communities that helped elect them. Philanthropy already invests in increasing civic engagement and advocacy on social issues such as improving healthcare, education, and building a strong and inclusive economy for everyone. By using their insight, influence, and resources, funders can contribute to important changes. But to make lasting progress, we have to shift how things are done and give a voice to the people most affected. Working together with progressive community leaders in non-profits and elective offices, philanthropy can build trust and give people the power and agency to lead in solving problems, and pave the way for lasting solutions.

Join us for this important conversation about how philanthropy, lawmakers, and community partners can work together to activate our communities’ wisdom and power.

Target Audience

This program is open to members of Catalyst, Northern California Grantmakers, Southern California Grantmakers, California Donor Table, and eligible non-members.

Speakers

Dr. Kyra R. Greene | Executive Director | Center on Policy Initiatives

Dr. Kyra R. Greene joined the Center on Policy Initiatives’ staff in 2014 and became the Executive Director in June 2017. Dr. Greene earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology from Stanford University. She also holds a B.A. in Social Sciences from Bard College at Simon’s Rock. Her past research has focused on social movement messaging/framing, legislative processes, and public policies affecting the lives of people of color and people with disabilities.

Ivan Luevanos-Elms | Executive Director | Local Progress

Ivan Luevanos-Elms is the Executive Director of Local Progress, a national network of local elected officials advancing racial and economic justice through all levels of local government. He is applying his nearly 15 years of experience in electoral work and grassroots organizing to helping the more than 1300 local elected officials across the LP network change what is possible in our localities.

Estevean Muñoz-Howard | Senior Director | Ktisis Capital

Estevan Muñoz-Howard is a philanthropic and organizational consultant with over 15 years experience leading programs and coalitions in the nonprofit sector. He joined Ktisis Capital as senior director in 2022 working primarily with our political and democracy focused clients. Estevan supports these clients as a donor advisor and strategist, working to protect our democracy on a national scale. He also works on our internal business development team, concentrating on developing client relationships to move the needle on progressive philanthropic practices. In addition to his work with Ktisis, Estevan works as Interim Co-Director of the Piper Fund, a donor collaborative that supports community-led efforts to build a healthy democracy.

Katie Valenzuela | Policy & Political Director | California Environmental Justice Alliance 

Katie Valenzuela was elected to serve on the Sacramento City Council for District 4 in 2020 and is currently the Senior Policy Advocate for the Central Valley Air Quality Coalition. She has spent more than two decades fighting for social justice through community organizing and policy advocacy. Prior to joining CVAQ, Katie ran a consulting firm focused on supporting environmental justice groups working on state policy, served as Policy & Political Director for the California Environmental Justice Alliance, and was the first consultant for the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change.

Visit SoCal Grantmakers website to read each speaker’s full biography. 

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