Charity Whyte
Program Associate, People
Why do you do what you do?
I am the proud daughter of a single Black Momma who immigrated to the States from Panama with her younger siblings when she was a teenager. Throughout my early childhood, if I wasn’t at school, doing art, singing at church, or playing sports — my phenomenal Mom would take me to her college classes, community service at our local nursing home, or canvassing for local campaigns. When it was time to vote, she would let me fill in the bubbles on her ballots for our local and national elections. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my Mom for planting and watering seeds that led to my commitment to social justice, curiosity for political education, and passion for resourcing liberatory systems change work in service of our “Beloved Community.”
What drew you to the foundation?
I was drawn to the foundation because of SFF’s mission to advance racial equity and economic inclusion. Prior to joining SFF, I served as a Research Intern at the United Nations NGO Working Group on Aging, Africa Unite in South Africa, and Legislative Aid for Congresswoman Robin L Kelley’s Office on Capitol Hill. After graduating from Colgate University in 2016, I served as a Youth Vote Organizing Director and Organizer for various electoral campaigns. Then, I worked on the Legal Mobilization team at the National Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (LCCRUL) in Washington, DC. Both my lived experience as a Black disabled person and organizing background, led me to want to join the chorus of folks ensuring that Black, Indigenous, People of Color who have and continue to be disenfranchised and systemically oppressed are abundantly resourced, holistically cared for, and have opportunities to thrive.
How would you describe your role?
I am a proud member of the People Pathway serving as Program Associate for our Reimagining Public Safety and Community Wealth Worker Cooperative portfolio. I get the opportunity to be an app lead to some incredible grantees leading powerful movement work here in the Bay Area.
Are you involved in any volunteer activities?
I have to give shout outs to Sogorea Te Community Land Trust and Intertribal Friendship House Oakland for allowing me to volunteer over the years. I recently joined Anti Police Terror Project’s Mental Health First Aid (MHFirst) crisis hotline volunteer group.