Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation Selects Genaro Lopez-Rendon as Next President

 

Genaro Lopez-Rendon, a 40-year-old community organizer and father from San Antonio, Texas, has been selected as President of the Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation. He will assume the presidency on February 1, 2016.

 

Lopez-Rendon is the former Executive Director of the Southwest Workers Union and a third- generation community/Chicano organizer with deep connections to social movements across the country. 

 

“I have always fought for a better world, but now as a new father of two young daughters, I see the world through their eyes and my urgency to realize this vision has become fervent,” said Lopez-Rendon.  “My selection sends a clear message that social justice movements will continue to be at the heart of the Noyes Foundation’s giving and programs.”

 

"We could not be more delighted than to have Genaro join Noyes as our next President," said Wendy Holding, Chair of the Board. "His deep understanding of movement building gives him a powerful vision and voice for change. Genaro is the right person at the right time for Noyes as we continue our efforts to catalyze philanthropy to build the power of people directly impacted so they can be activiely involved in advancing solutions to the challenges we all face."

 

Mr. Lopez-Rendon said that over the past decade, several large foundations have adopted social justice mandates, shifting programming to promote tolerance, freedom and equality for all. Simultaneously, smaller yet influential foundations that have longer histories and closer relationships with grassroots movements have explored new collaborations to leverage their impact for social change.

 

“Undeniably, the support for social justice in philanthropy has become more prominent,” said Lopez-Rendon. “Building upon the Noyes Foundation’s immense track record, I aim to shift this momentum to build a stronger, more coordinated, and effective philanthropic sector to truly resource lasting social change, with and for the movement.”