Reflections From 18 Years of Combined Service

With the new year, we are welcoming new board members and saying goodbye to dynamic leaders who have reached their term limit serving on Catalyst’s board of directors. We look forward to introducing you to our newest board members very soon – but first! With a combined 18 years of service to Catalyst, we recently caught up with Dr. Nelli Garton, co-founder and CEO of Tablecloth; Shreya Shah Sasaki, senior director of Family and Community services at Jewish Family Services; and The Honorable Ernest Borunda (retired), secretary of The Parker Foundation, to hear their reflections on their time guiding this dynamic community of funders. (And – don’t worry! While these powerhouse leaders have termed off of the board, they each remain active members of the Catalyst network.)

Above from l-r: Dr. Nelli Garton shares on an impact investing panel; Shreya Shah Sasaki participates in a breakout session at a Catalyst Annual Conference; Ernest Borunda shares a laugh and a smile with fellow Catalyst members at a social event. 

What are you most proud of from your time (18 years combined!) serving on the Catalyst board?

“I am most proud of the embedding of social justice into the core tenets of who we are as an organization,” Nelli said. “I am also really proud of the central role impact investing has taken in the work of Catalyst. We are now using many more of the tools in our toolset for social change, and that is exciting,” Nelli added.

For Ernest (“Ernie”), it is the reflection of personal growth across staff and board that stands out most. “I am most proud of working with men and women who have open minds. We started a long journey by recognizing the need for growth, and development of a model which would improve us as individuals. We also realized that our personal growth would bring opportunities to strengthen those we served. In turn we would seek others who believed that they could and would strengthen the philanthropic community of San Diego. We found the courage to grow,” Ernie shared.

Our equity journey as an organization truly took shape during the tenure of this outgoing board slate. For Shreya Shah Sasaki, it was that evolution that she is most proud of. “I am most proud of being a part of Catalyst’s Equity journey, starting with incorporating into the Catalyst vision and then having strategies and activities to imbed equity in all that Catalyst does. I’m grateful that I was actively able to contribute to and be a part of that journey, with fellow board members and staff,” she shared.

In what way(s) is Catalyst important to our social change community?

“Catalyst can play a unique and unifying role in social change efforts for San Diego and Imperial Counties because it is a trusted and neutral entity that has access to capital given its membership but it does not lead with that,” Nelli said.  “It is literally in our name now to be a catalyzing force for good but that does not mean we do it all, we can set the table and nurture change efforts but also step back when needed,” she added. 

“It is the diversity of the staff, Board of Directors, and members that will affect change. Our selection of programming, our preparation of newer talent, and our commitment to the principles of inclusion make Catalyst a force for change,” Ernie shared. He followed it up with a quote he often turns to (author unknown): “Either everyone counts or no one counts,” he shared, adding, “Catalyst is equipped to make sure everyone counts.”

“Catalyst has the ability to influence and inspire funders, that hold power, to contribute to positive social change. Catalyst has the ability to bring funders together, to problem solve and respond to pressing community needs, and provide access to accurate information about what’s happening in community, due to the trust Catalyst has established with community,” Shreya reflected.

what are your hopes or dreams for the next five years of Catalyst’s journey?

While each of our esteemed board members will still be actively engaged with Catalyst as enthusiastic members, we asked for their reflections on this passing of the torch moment, and the momentum they hope to maintain.

“I hope that Catalyst continues on its equity journey with intention. I hope that Catalyst continues to grow its influence and impact policy change, to move our region forward. I hope that it continues to be a voice for grassroots communities that are often not at funder and other tables, and continues to bring these voices to the forefront,” Shreya said.

“I am excited to see the maturation of the organization driven by the values of social justice and our commitment to community. There are such exciting things happening with capital shifting and more equitable distribution of opportunities, and Catalyst can play a leading role in this region,” Nelli shared.

Ernie rounds it all out with how we started: an open mind. “My hopes and dreams are that we will move forward with open minds,” Ernie shared. “That we will be ready to continue to be lifelong learners. That we commit ourselves to our San Diego and Imperial communities so that all may flourish,” he said.

Please join us in congratulating our outgoing board members and thanking them for their extraordinary service and commitment to our region.