Los Angeles, Calif.
The Board of Directors of the Weingart Foundation, a private grantmaking foundation that partners with communities across Southern California to advance racial justice, has voted to appoint Joanna S. Jackson as its new president and C.E.O. For the past fifteen years, Jackson has led Weingart’s programs and grant-making portfolio and is poised to lead the Foundation into a new era of philanthropic impact and racial justice.
Joanna Jackson’s leadership journey is defined by a steadfast commitment to the values and mission of the Weingart Foundation. Her vision for the Foundation aligns with its strategic framework emphasizing building strong, healthy communities and promoting equitable systems.
“Following a competitive C.E.O. search process, the Board determined that Joanna Jackson was our clear choice to serve as the Foundation’s President and C.E.O.,” said Monica Lozano, immediate past chair of the Weingart Foundation board, and chair of the C.E.O. search committee. “We received hundreds of letters of interest and interviewed a dozen outstanding candidates. Joanna demonstrated a deep commitment to racial, social, and economic justice and has inspired our team to think and act boldly, fostering a culture that is empowering and inclusive.”
With a career spanning more than 25 years in the nonprofit, philanthropic, and public sectors, Jackson brings a wealth of experience and a profound understanding of the issues facing communities today. Her previous roles at the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, The California Endowment, and the City of San Jose have equipped her with the skills and insights needed to drive the Foundation’s mission forward.
Jackson shared her enthusiasm for her new role, stating, “It is an honor and privilege to continue to serve this Foundation as President & C.E.O. It is my calling to do what I can to change inequitable systems and advance justice. I see my values reflected in the mission of the Weingart Foundation and in the inspiring work of the nonprofit partners and movement leaders we work with in our pursuit of racial justice. I am humbled and energized to continue this journey with a team of dedicated leaders, partners, and colleagues who share our vision of a more equitable Southern California for all.”
In addition to her work at the Weingart Foundation, Jackson serves on the boards of Southern California Grantmakers and Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (G.E.O.). She holds a master’s degree in public administration from Baruch College, The City University of New York, where she was a National Urban Fellow, and a bachelor’s degree from Spelman College in Atlanta, Ga.