Sonja Velez
Chief Financial Officer
Why do you do what you do? What drew you to the foundation?
I’m a longtime Bay Area resident and am proud to be part of the foundation’s work to address the challenges around us and make this a better place to live for all. I appreciate the foundation’s work elevating the voices of those who are underserved in our communities.
How would you describe your role?
I have the opportunity to work with our highly capable and dedicated board committees to oversee our investments and financials, and support the foundation through budgeting and financial analysis. We’re continuously deepening the ways our top-tier investment portfolios contribute to greater equity, including adding more managers who are women and people of color, and are working to triple the scale of our local impact investments.
Are you involved in any volunteer activities?
Local organizations I enjoy volunteering with include The Healing Well here in the Tenderloin, and Financial Women of San Francisco, where I serve on our Diversity and Inclusion Committee. I also have a passion for independent media and civic leadership from my days as CFO of a Burmese media organization.