The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley is excited to announce three additions to our executive leadership team. These impressive leaders will strengthen our organization and grow our long-term impact throughout Silicon Valley. We are thrilled to have the extensive experience of these individuals. Their knowledge and commitment to social justice will help lead the organization to a brighter future.
Cynthia Chagolla – As the Chief Program Officer, Cynthia will lead, integrate, and strengthen the Law Foundation’s legal services and systems change work across its program areas of Children & Youth, Health, and Housing. Cynthia most recently worked as the founding Directing Attorney at Bet Tzedek Legal Services in Los Angeles where she managed the Preventing and Ending Homelessness Project. During her time at Bet Tzedek, she played a leadership role in building the housing and tenant defense advocacy work, securing numerous contracts and millions of dollars of funding, and directing community outreach and legal clinics, among many other contributions. Prior to that, Cynthia practiced public interest law at Bay Area Legal Aid and California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. She has worked on a broad range of poverty and racial justice issues through affirmative litigation, direct services, and community-driven advocacy.
Read Cynthia’s full announcement here.
Amber De Buizer – In this role, Amber leads the Law Foundation’s Development work, including fundraising, donor and foundation relations, and events, while playing a key strategic role as part of the executive leadership team. Amber has 21 years of experience in nonprofit and higher education fundraising, including a focus on programming for underserved communities. Most recently, she worked as the Assistant Vice President for Development at Santa Clara University and the Director of Development at Acterra. Previously, she has served in fund development leadership roles for the San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Girls Chorus, Stern Grove Festival, and Meals on Wheels of Alameda County.
Read Amber’s full announcement here.
Maria Vazquez Mata – As Chief Operating Officer, Maria works together with our senior leadership team and CEO to create organizational strategies to advance priorities and tackle challenges. She manages the Finance, Human Resources, IT, Operations, and Impact & Evaluation teams. Maria is a legal services attorney who has worked at both Community Legal Services East Palo Alto (CLSEPA) and the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County. She served as the Deputy Director at CLSEPA for over four years where she managed the organization’s administrative operations, including HR, risk management, facilities, and IT. At CLSEPA, she led several organization-wide projects, including strategic plan implementation, equity and inclusion, and health and wellness. Most recently, Maria worked as the Equity, Access, and Inclusion Manager for the City of Sunnyvale.