As part of our ongoing efforts to advance wellness for the people of California and deepen our commitment as a responsive foundation, we are thrilled to announce the addition of three new Program Officers, a Director of Investments, and an Office Services Coordinator. This is a period of significant challenges, but also tremendous opportunities, and we are excited to welcome this group of dynamic new colleagues to the Cal Wellness team.
Juan Reynoso Joins As Program Officer.
Reynoso brings experience as a scenario planner and researcher having supported planning for and operationalizing health equity and environmental justice in cities, counties, and public agencies across California. He combines his diverse range of experiences in healthy communities planning and policy across the public, private, and non-profit sectors with his lived experiences growing up in the Central Valley and San Diego County. Reynoso will be based at Cal Wellness’ Los Angeles office.
Jessica Martinez Pulido Joins As Program Officer.
Martinez Pulido brings over a decade of experience in collaborative partnerships, program development, and innovative grantmaking that center community knowledge and leadership. A proud first-generation Latina college graduate, Martinez Pulido's commitment to advancing health equity is rooted in her early work on immigrant rights organizing and health advocacy. Martinez Pulido will be based at Cal Wellness’ Oakland office.
Tommy Morris Joins as Program Officer.
Morris brings his lived experiences and background as a community organizer and policy advocate to bridge the gap between philanthropy and grassroots organizations. With a deep commitment to social justice issues such as community safety, mental wellness and environmental racism, he seeks to foster relationships among community, foundations and corporate partners. Morris will be based at Cal Wellness’ Los Angeles office.
“I am thrilled to welcome Juan, Jessica, and Tommy to our team,” Cal Wellness Vice President of Programs, Lori Cox, said. “Each of the new program officer’s direct experience and passion will help advance our work to address issues at the intersection of health and racial justice.”
Javier Hernandez Joins as Director of Investments.
Hernandez brings a background in impact investing, portfolio design and implementation as well as environmental management to Cal Wellness. In his last role as director at Avivar Capital he advised leaders of some of the country’s largest foundations on deploying investment dollars with impact.
“Javier supported our Program-Related Investments committee while at Avivar,” Rochelle Witharana, Chief Financial Officer, said. “We are excited to welcome him to Cal Wellness as a trusted partner in advancing our efforts around mission-related investing and diversifying fund managers.” Hernandez will be based at Cal Wellness’ Los Angeles office.
Teresa Baranowski Joins as Office Services Coordinator.
Baranowski oversees the day-to-day management of Cal Wellness’ Oakland office, bringing previous experience in administrative, facilities, and legal industries.
“We are thrilled to welcome Teresa as part of the team that keeps our offices running smoothly as we fulfill our commitment to the communities we serve,” Arun Baheti, Vice President of Operations, said.
About the California Wellness Foundation
The California Wellness Foundation’s mission is to protect and improve the health and wellness of the people of California by increasing access to health care, quality education, good jobs, healthy environments and safe neighborhoods. Since its founding in 1992, Cal Wellness has awarded more than $1 billion in charitable contributions and more than 10,000 grants.