FRANCESCA GONZALEZ

Executive Director

Since 2006, Francesca has been a dynamic force in the Bay Area, dedicated to dismantling racial and gender inequities and fostering environments rooted in social impact and community empowerment. Her journey from a passionate volunteer to an executive leader in nonprofit operations and programs showcases her unwavering commitment to advocacy and equity. With hands-on experience, she has expertly built, sustained, and expanded a diverse array of programs, from grassroots initiatives to national service models, all while deftly operationalizing organizational strategy and vision.

Francesca's advocacy roots run deep, beginning in her childhood as a foster youth. At just 15, she stood before the Senate in Washington, D.C., championing the rights of foster youth. This early experience ignited a lifelong dedication to advocacy, leading her to work with numerous mission-driven organizations across the Bay Area. Her efforts have shaped trauma-informed programs in youth development, early childhood education, food justice, LGBTQ+ services, senior care, and workforce development.

Throughout her career, Francesca has achieved remarkable milestones, spearheading significant initiatives that have driven regional growth and strategic expansion for leading organizations. She has developed impactful educational programs for at-risk youth, introduced innovative models to public school systems, and created frameworks for workforce readiness. Francesca has also launched pioneering community services, including the nation's first LGBTQ+ community-based Adult Day Program, and has been instrumental in securing substantial funding through her expertise in grant writing and event management. Her visionary leadership and strategic acumen have consistently led to the development and implementation of programs that address critical community needs and drive meaningful social change.

In addition to her extensive work, Francesca recently became a Foster America Fellow and is now a member of their National Leadership Advisory Group, contributing to national conversations and strategies aimed at improving the foster care system.