FRANCESCA GONZALEZ

Executive Director

Since 2006, Francesca has been a transformative leader in the Bay Area, dedicated to dismantling racial and gender inequities and fostering environments that champion social impact and community empowerment. Her journey from a passionate volunteer to an executive leader in nonprofit operations and programs highlights her commitment to advocacy and equity. With deep-rooted expertise, Francesca has built, sustained, and expanded a diverse array of programs, ranging from grassroots initiatives to national service models, while operationalizing organizational strategy and vision with precision.

As a foster youth growing up in a system often fraught with challenges, Francesca's advocacy began at an early age. At just 15, she addressed the U.S. Senate in Washington, D.C., advocating for the rights of foster youth—a transformative moment that fueled her lifelong passion for systemic change. Since then, she has worked tirelessly with mission-driven organizations across the Bay Area, shaping 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, including spearheading 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. Notably, Francesca launched the nation's first LGBTQ+ community-based Adult Day Program, blending innovation with equity to meet the needs of underserved communities. Her expertise in grant writing and event management has secured substantial funding, further amplifying her impact. Her visionary leadership consistently results in programs that address critical community needs and inspire meaningful social change.

Francesca’s commitment to transforming systems extends through her work as a Fellow of Foster America and as a member of their National Leadership Advisory Group. In these roles, she contributes to pivotal conversations and strategies aimed at reimagining the foster care system on a national scale.

Francesca’s dedication extends to her personal life, where she thrives as a creative and compassionate individual committed to her own healing journey. She actively participates in mindfulness, meditation, and other spiritual practices, celebrating the many ways to cultivate joy and resilience. A lover of life’s simple pleasures, she enjoys cooking, spending time in nature—especially on the beach—exploring movies and music, and cherishing moments with friends and family. Her creativity shines through her passion for collaborative art, mixed media, and photography, where she finds unique ways to express and celebrate the beauty of connection and shared experiences. These passions infuse her work with innovation, balance, and a commitment to uplifting those around her.