Working to Raise the Bar
At the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, our work is grounded in a deep commitment to advancing equality and opportunity so that every person can live with dignity and hope. Behind this mission is a dedicated team driven by compassion, curiosity, and a shared belief in the power of community to create lasting change.
Gil Aurellano Executive Assistant to the Leadership Team
Gil supports President, Cathy Cha, VP of Programs, Robert Joseph, and Vice President of Finance and Operations, Mark Orozco in managing the Fund’s grantmaking.
Cathy Cha President & CEO
Cathy leads the Fund’s work to advance rights and create opportunities for all people.
Ying Chang Senior Accountant
Ying provides critical support to the Fund’s accounting and finance teams.
Kris Coffey Executive Assistant
Kris provides critical support to the Fund’s president emeritus, Ira Hirschfield.
Ira Hirschfield President Emeritus
Ira oversees the Fund’s investments and leads its work on selected community partnerships.
Robert Joseph Vice President of Programs
Robert oversees the Haas, Jr. Fund’s grantmaking and the development of program strategies.
Jose Lara Cruz Program Associate
Jose plays an important role in the Fund's Democracy and Immigrant Rights work.
Raúl Macías Program Director, Democracy
Raúl leads the Fund’s development and launch of strategies for achieving the Fund’s goal of building a fairer and more representative democracy in California.
Lisa Marquez-Valenti Program Associate
Lisa plays an important role in the Fund’s College Success and Community initiative work.
Monica Martinez Program Director, College Success
Monica leads the Fund’s strategies and partnerships to advance a level playing field in higher education and broaden access to a bachelor’s degree in California.
Brenda Molina Operations Administrator
Brenda is the face and voice of the Fund for visitors and callers.
Mark Orozco Vice President of Finance and Operations
Mark oversees the Fund’s investments and finances, information technology and human resources.
Griselda Renteria Senior Human Resources Associate
Griselda guides Haas Jr.’s human resources efforts to ensure an inclusive, fair, and thriving workplace.
Maliha Sadiq Director of Communications
Maliha brings strategic communications and storytelling experience on climate, housing, and youth civic engagement.
Elica Vafaie Program Director, Immigrant Rights
Elica leads the Fund’s strategies and partnerships to build the power and amplify the voices of immigrants to find safety, opportunity, and representation in California and nationwide.