The Kenneth Rainin Foundation is excited to announce the promotion of two valued colleagues and the arrival of a new team member.
Miyesha Perry Named Chief Program Officer
Miyesha Perry will move into the role of Chief Program Officer effective November 4. For the past five years, Miyesha has directed the Grants Management department, which recently expanded its functions to include Learning. In this position, she led the selection and successful implementation of our new grants management system while making grant process improvements to operationalize equity and ease administrative requirements for applicants and grantees. She also helped launch our Learning and Evaluation Framework and oversaw the strategic integration of this tool across Foundation departments.
In her new role as Chief Program Officer, Miyesha will be responsible for strengthening the impact of our Arts, Education and Health program areas, as well as Communications and Grants Management and Learning. She will join the Executive Team to help guide and lead the organization. “Miyesha has an outstanding track record at the Rainin Foundation and has a national reputation as a leader in philanthropy. Her extensive experience will continue to enhance our work. I’m thrilled about her appointment and eager to collaborate with her,” said Executive Director Shelley Trott.
“As I step into this leadership role, I’ll be drawing on experiences from throughout my career and the knowledge I’ve gained at the Rainin Foundation, while remaining grounded in the values that drive our mission. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the Rainin team to drive meaningful impact and uplift those we serve,” said Miyesha.
Karina Ryan Promoted To Executive Team Officer
Karina Ryan was promoted to Executive Team Officer in September. For the past six years Karina was Executive Assistant, where she offered high-level administrative support to the Chief Executive Officer and served as the liaison for the Board of Directors. She also developed communications and worked closely with the Executive and Leadership Teams to ensure alignment of priorities and execute strategic plans.
In her new role, she will provide essential administrative support to the CEO and Executive Director, facilitating efficiencies in operations and enhancing the Foundation’s effectiveness. She will also collaborate with the Executive Team on project planning and implementation, helping to manage change by coordinating the timing of activities and communications, and engaging in cross-departmental initiatives. “I’ve learned so much about philanthropy and leadership over the past six years. I’m thrilled to be deeply involved in helping the Executive Team advance our organizational goals and track the progress we’re making,” said Karina. “I’m excited to continue to expand my skills and build on the Foundation’s success and impact.”
Introducing Our New Program Assistant dani lopez
The Foundation welcomed dani lopez as Program Assistant in July. dani offers administrative support to the Arts, Education and Health program teams. She coordinates meeting logistics, maintains information in the grants management system and manages expenses and contracts. Additionally, she contributes to program activities and participates in Foundation-wide projects.
An artist, administrator and educator based in Oakland, dani received her MFA in Textiles from California College of the Arts. She has over 13 years of administrative experience and has worked in nonprofits for over a decade. dani has supported small Oregon businesses with government contracting and, more recently, was working in higher education as a program manager and studio manager. In her free time, dani weaves in her studio, passes on her love of weaving by teaching at the Richmond Art Center and is a voracious reader. “I’m delighted to join the Rainin Foundation team and contribute to our important mission. This opportunity will broaden my nonprofit experience, particularly in grantmaking. It will also give me a chance to learn more about the amazing community organizations and people we support in the Bay Area and in research institutions around the globe.”
The Rainin Foundation is thrilled to have these talented individuals on our team. We look forward to their contributions and all that we will accomplish together.
