Gina Acebo
Program Officer, People
Why do you do what you do?
Being third generation Pilipina born and raised in Oakland, I’ve seen the power people gain from knowing our history, serving community, and leveraging culture to reimagine a just future. I’m committed to supporting organizing, the leadership of people of color, and racial justice organizations working to create a world where full human development and collective liberation are a reality for everyone.
What drew you to the foundation?
I know firsthand of the foundation’s value-alignment with innovative power building organizations across the Bay Area, especially as a former San Francisco Foundation grant partner and peer funder. Our practice of strategic grantmaking centered on thoughtful relationship building and the investment of grassroots leaders of color make me excited to be part of this team.
How would you describe your role?
As a program officer within the People Pathway, I see my role as a “movement pollinator”— I help channel resources to seed movement building, justice and belonging for transformational change by relying on a practice of deep listening, fostering mutual trust to forge strategic relationships, and supporting grassroots leaders to advance solutions that build our collective future.
What inspires you?
To re-charge body and spirit, art making and caretaking my grandparents’ garden are my go-to activities. Outside of work, I support power building by serving on the boards of Alliance for a Just Society and Filipinos Advocates for Justice. In my journey as a community and union organizer, I was grateful for the mentors who supported me on my journey, and I’m proud to serve as a mentor with In-Advance’s SpadeWork project which seeks to resurrect and enliven the heart of organizing through organizer accompaniment rooted in reciprocity and mutual care.