Katiti Crawford
Associate Director of Professional Advisor Relations
Why do you do what you do?
I believe in the power of philanthropy as the Greeks originally defined it – philein, meaning to love, and anthropos (as in anthropology), meaning humankind. And so, philanthropy means love of humanity.
Over the past 22 years, I have leveraged my business development experience and skills to help donors express their love of humanity through their giving, investing, and advocacy.
What drew you to the foundation?
I have wanted to work for the foundation since I chose to make San Francisco my home in 2006. I am so happy to be a part of a respected institution that has been at the center of Bay Area philanthropy since 1948. I am always struck by the fact that the SFF has given more than $3 billion since it was founded.
As a descendant of enslaved Africans, I feel called to stand on the shoulders of my ancestors and serve to make our world a more equitable and just place. I do this through my work at the foundation. Since 2016, following a Bay Area resident listening tour, SFF has centered equity in our internal operations, grantmaking, convening, advocacy, and civic leadership activities. I am especially proud to work somewhere that started its equity journey before 2020 and has named racial equity and economic inclusion its North Star.
How would you describe your role?
I serve as a point person and partner with Bay Area professional advisors such as attorneys, accountants, financial planners, investment advisors, and wealth managers to identify and implement the most impactful and rewarding philanthropic giving strategies for their clients.
I love to connect people, and here I get to help professional advisors deepen their connection with their clients, connect donors and their trusted advisors to SFF staff, and bring social investors together with our impact investment team.
Additionally, I lead the foundation’s efforts to engage and support our Emerging Advisors Network, a group of professional advisors within the first 10 years of their careers.
Are you involved in any volunteer activities?
I currently serve on the Northern California Planned Giving Council board of directors. In the past, I was a Court Appointed Special Advocate for foster youth through SFCASA, served on ACCESS Reproductive Health Justice’s board, tutored adult ESL students, and helped girls learn how to rock climb indoors and outside with Girls Climb On / Girl Ventures.