Perspectives by Cathy Cha

Every Voice Shines New Light

The value of an idea increases exponentially when it’s shared. From our staff, partners and grantees to the people impacted by their efforts, each perspective offers new insight into the critical issues at the heart of our work.

Cathy Cha President & CEO

Cathy leads the Fund’s work to advance rights and create opportunities for all people.

What I’m Thankful For

November 5, 2021 | by

Catalyzing this Moment for Justice and Equality

I feel a deep gratitude, for being able to emerge, however tentatively, from the isolation and separation of Covid-19, and for the shifts we’re seeing in institutional racism and the stark inequalities around us.

One of the silver linings of the pandemic has been that I’m more grateful for the everyday things in life. That my kids are attending school in person. Going trick-or-treating with my 9-year-old even with masks on.…

Welcoming Our New Communications Director

November 5, 2021 | by

Maliha Sadiq Brings Strategic Comms and Storytelling Experience to the Fund

Sadiq will design and implement communication strategies that strengthen the impacts of the organizations the Fund supports, and the communities it serves.

The Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund recently announced it has hired Maliha Sadiq as its new director of communications. In this position, Sadiq will lead strategic communications and storytelling efforts aimed at a…

Introducing The LeadersTrust

September 7, 2021 | by

Haas Jr. Joins with Other Funders to Bring More Support to Nonprofit, Movement Leaders

The LeadersTrust carries forward the Fund’s longstanding commitment to investing in leadership for social change

Across the country, people are standing up for equality and justice. In California, our grantee partners are reaching out to communities across the state to get out the vote for the recall election. From the Movemen…

Green sign with white letters stating "The Time Is Now!" in front of city hall

IT’S UP TO ALL OF US

January 5, 2021 | by

Advancing Equality and Justice After a Year Like No Other

Cathy Cha shares the Haas Jr. Fund’s priorities for 2021 and beyond.

As we enter the new year, it’s stunning to think about how much our world has changed, and how fast. A year ago, we didn’t know how a virus on the other side of the world would affect our country. We didn’t know tha…

Voting location sign in four different languages

“Everything is at Stake”

October 26, 2020 | by

Creating Opportunities for Greater Civic Engagement

Across California, nonprofit and community leaders are working 24-7 to make sure there’s a power surge in communities of color this year and into the future.

In the lead-up to Election Day, I find inspiration in what’s happening in places like Fresno, California. That’s where a partnership of diverse organizations are working together to lift up the voice and power—and t…

Standing Together

July 6, 2020 | by

An Open Letter from California Philanthropic Organizations

Together with our fellow philanthropic leaders, we stand together for a just and inclusive California

A pledge from California philanthropic organizations: The COVID–19 public health and economic crisis and the murders of Black Americans by police, have laid bare the deep inequities across our state. We need bold…

“We Stand With You”

June 18, 2020 | by

An Open Letter to Undocumented Young People

In the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the DACA program, Haas, Jr. Fund President Cathy Cha thanks young undocumented people for their leadership and pledges continuing support and solidarity for the movement.

At a challenging time for all of us, I wanted to send a note to the young people across our country who are undocumented. With the Supreme Court’s ruling today that the Trump administration cannot end the Deferre…

Thank You

June 18, 2020 | by

Youth-Led Movement Made DACA Happen

The Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the DACA program inspires an appreciation for young undocumented immigrants and their powerful call for justice.

On June 18, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration could not end the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program. Since 2012, DACA has enabled more than 800,000 young undocumented immig…

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