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Justin Steele

Justin Steele

Justin Steele

SFF Trustee, and Co-Founder and CTO of Outdoorithm
Why do you do what you do?

I grew up acutely aware of the opportunity divide that exists in this country. On my father’s side of the family, we’re only a few generations removed from slavery in the Carolinas. On my mother’s side of the family, we’re European immigrants who migrated to the western United States in search of land to farm and metals to mine. Despite both sides of my family being engaged in similar trades, the wealth and opportunity gap I witnessed across the divides of race and class in my own family raised deep questions for me growing up. On which side of these lines did I belong? I’ve always enjoyed puzzling my way through how things work, and while a curious mind took me to engineering and business school to get better at wrestling with complexity, my lived experience has drawn me to the social sector and the fight for justice in socially and economically excluded communities.

What drew you to serving on the board?

I have long admired the work of the San Francisco Foundation, particularly its commitment to racial equity and economic inclusion. In my role leading Google’s philanthropy in the U.S., I have had the opportunity to collaborate with a number of the staff and grantees of the foundation, and I have always come away impressed and moved by their work. My wife and I are also raising our three daughters in Oakland, and I want to ensure our family is both connected to the community here and doing our part to strengthen it.

How would you describe your role as a board member?

I’m excited to serve as a bridge between technology companies and SFF. I also aspire to share what I have learned working at the intersections of philanthropy, business, and nonprofit leadership.

Full Biography

Justin Steele is a Fractional Chief Impact Officer who helps organizations transform their social initiatives into measurable, systemic change. He is also the co-founder of Outdoorithm, a social enterprise making camping on public land more accessible for urban families through AI-powered trip planning tools and guided group experiences.

Previously, Justin directed Google’s philanthropy in the Americas, overseeing more than half a billion dollars in strategic giving across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.  Before Google.org, Justin held executive roles at Year Up, developing pathways to economic mobility for young adults. He began his career in management consulting at Bain & Company and The Bridgespan Group.

Justin earned an undergraduate degree in engineering from the University of Virginia and a dual MBA/MPA from Harvard Business School and the Kennedy School of Government. He currently resides in Oakland with his wife and four daughters.

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