Los Angeles, CA — The Board of Directors of the Weingart Foundation, a private grantmaking foundation that partners with communities across Southern California to advance racial justice, today 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. “With the support of our consultants, Koya Partners, we gathered input from board, staff, grantee partners, civic and community leaders and used this feedback to create a candidate profile that prioritized the skills, qualities, and characteristics of our next C.E.O. 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.”
The Weingart Foundation Board also voted today to elect Dr. Robert K. Ross as the Foundation’s Board chair.
“Joanna Jackson fervently embodies the attributes necessary to lead the Weingart Foundation as it continues to operationalize its equity commitment, both internally and externally,’ said Dr. Ross, Board Chair of the Weingart Foundation. “Joanna is an equity-minded leader who authentically models the values of courage, dignity, innovation, trust, partnership, and racial justice. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we congratulate Joanna and pledge our support and partnership as we enter this next era of the Weingart Foundation.”
With a career spanning more than twenty-five 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, Georgia.
“The Weingart Foundation looks forward to a bright future under Joanna’s leadership, confident in her ability to drive meaningful change and promote equity and justice across Southern California,” Lozano said.
ABOUT THE WEINGART FOUNDATION:
The Weingart Foundation is a private, nonprofit grantmaking foundation that partners with communities across Southern California to advance racial, social, and economic justice for all. Our vision is a dynamic and effective social change sector that is creating equitable systems and structures needed to achieve justice. Founded in 1951, the Foundation has to date granted over $1 billion to organizations, strengthening their efforts in human services, housing, health, education, and community power building. In addition, the Foundation builds networks and collaboratives with philanthropic, public sector, and community leaders to advance equity and justice together.
