The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation announced that Hannah Garcia will join the foundation as a Program Officer in the Performing Arts Program, starting on July 8, 2024. In this role, Hannah will manage a diverse portfolio of grants aimed at supporting communities, artists, and youth throughout the Bay Area, with a special focus on ensuring that communities can engage in artistic and cultural practices that enrich their lives and the region.
Hannah brings over 15 years of experience in the philanthropic and non-profit sectors, coupled with a deep passion for the arts and grassroots organizing for racial justice. Most recently, she served as a Senior Program Officer at the East Bay Community Foundation, where she co-led the foundation’s community organizing, power building and movement-building strategy. Prior to that, she was the Grants Program Manager and Equity Director at the Arts Council of Santa Cruz County, where she led initiatives to support artists and grassroots arts and cultural organizations that have not been fairly invested in to date.
“Hannah’s commitment to addressing racial and cultural inequities in the Bay Area and in the arts aligns deeply with the Hewlett Foundation’s vision for this work,” said Program Director Emiko Ono. “Her experience building enduring relationships with a diverse range of organizations and people is impressive. I’m thrilled Hannah is joining the foundation and have no doubt she will further advance our work to support the expansive power of the arts.”
Hannah holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She comes from a family of talented performing artists and has always valued the transformative power of the arts. She celebrates the role of art in supporting communities to reclaim essential narratives, celebrate diverse identities, and inspire collective action towards change.
Hannah lives in Point Richmond with her husband. Outside of work, she enjoys dance, spending time in nature, and engaging in mindfulness and healing practices that support the sustainability of social justice work.