Judith Bell
Chief Impact Officer
Why do you do what you do?
I have a sense of responsibility to make a difference, to contribute to the movement for greater racial and economic equity. It came from my grandfather, who had fled Lithuania in the early 1900s and came to the U.S. before we closed our borders to certain immigrants. I grew up in a Jewish family where we were asked every day, “What was your mitzvah (good deed) today?” My father modeled this as a doctor fighting for greater access to quality health care.
What drew you to the foundation?
I came to the foundation because of its focus on racial and economic equity. Here, I’m able to take a deep dive into my home region and go all in on equity. I can work creatively to expand our efforts and develop new ways to leverage our grantmaking and investments, align our partners and donors on equity, and raise our voice and our leadership on key issues.
How would you describe your role?
I help the foundation define how we can advance racial and economic equity in the Bay Area. I’m a bridge builder who helps make this commitment an institution-wide effort that uses all of our different tools and develops new partnerships outside the foundation.
Are you involved in any volunteer activities?
I’m on the national board of Prosperity Now, which focuses on the racial wealth gap.