TCWF Appoints Two New Program Directors

Directors Oversee Foundation's Violence Prevention Priority Area

he California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) announced the appointment of two new program directors, Nicole J. Jones and Sandra J. Martínez. Both work on the Foundation’s Violence Prevention priority area, which includes the Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI), a 10-year, $60 million grantmaking program approved by the Foundation’s board of directors in 1992. 

 “Nicole and Sandra understand the needs of nonprofit organizations in California,” said Gary L. Yates, president and CEO of the Foundation. “Their backgrounds and experiences prepare them well as program directors. I am confident that they will effectively identify how the Foundation’s grantmaking can best support and strengthen organizations working to prevent violence against youth.”

Program Director Jones has extensive experience in both philanthropy and public policy. Her responsibilities include overseeing the VPI’s grants for public education and policy efforts. Prior to her appointment at TCWF, she was a program officer at the California Community Foundation. Before her work in philanthropy, Jones participated in the National Urban/Rural Fellows Program, and the Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs, and served as a field representative for California State Assemblymember Kevin Murray and Los Angeles City Councilmember Rudy Svorinich.

“I welcome the challenge of furthering the efforts of both existing and new grantees...”

— Nicole J. Jones

“I welcome the challenge of furthering the efforts of both existing and new grantees to inform policymakers and opinion leaders about effective programs to prevent violence in our communities,” Jones said. Currently, she is an active member of Big Sisters of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. Jones received an M.P.A. from the Bernard M. Baruch College of the City University of New York and a B.A. from UC Berkeley.

Program Director Martínez brings experience in youth development and community organizing to the Foundation’s Violence Prevention priority area. Her responsibilities include overseeing the VPI’s leadership and community action programs. Prior to accepting this position, Martinez directed the Progressive Los Angeles Network. She also spent four years at the Community Coalition in South Los Angeles where she oversaw multiple community organizing efforts such as People on Welfare (P.O.W.) and the Prevention Network.

“I have long admired the Foundation’s commitment to leadership development and recognition of unsung heroes of the violence prevention movement,” Martínez said. Martínez has conducted extensive research on health-related issues, such as the effects of the AIDS epidemic on teens. She co-authored a book chapter of The AIDS Challenge: Prevention Education for Young People, as well as “The Los Angeles County Adolescent HIV Strategic Plan.” Martínez has been a board member for Woman and Youth Supporting Each Other (WYSE) and the California Child, Youth and Family Coalition. She received an M.P.H. from UC Berkeley and a B.A. from UCLA.

“I have long admired the Foundation’s commitment to leadership development and recognition of unsung heroes of the violence prevention movement.”

— Sandra J. Martínez

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