Dani Martinez to Join Arcus as U.S. Social Justice Program Director

May 2, 2023

NEW YORK, NY – The Arcus Foundation, a global foundation promoting respect for diversity among peoples and in nature, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dani Martinez (she/her) as U.S. Social Justice Program Director.

Arcus’ Social Justice Program works to enable lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people to live their lives with dignity and respect. The program comprises an integrated portfolio aiming to advance LGBTQ safety, protections, and social inclusion in the United States, as well as other focus countries in the Americas and in East and Southern Africa.

Taking up her position in July, Dani’s role at Arcus will involve engaging with and learning from activists, advocates, leaders, and others within the U.S. LGBTQ and allied social justice movements to inform the development and implementation of the program’s strategic grantmaking. She brings 16 years of experience in mobilizing people and resources to support LGBTQ, racial, and gender justice.

Prior to joining Arcus, Dani worked at Borealis Philanthropy, where she co-created and subsequently led the Emerging LGBTQ Leaders of Color Fund, a collaborative initiative that has moved over $12 million in grants to more than 71 queer and trans leaders and 116 organizations. As director of the fund, Dani increased grantmaking to trans and nonbinary-led organizations and implemented programming to bolster the leadership of trans women of color.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Dani to our team,” says Alli Jernow, vice president of the Social Justice Program. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and during her time at Borealis she’s forged strong relationships with so many movement and philanthropic partners. We know her spirit, energy and vision will enrich our grantmaking practice and further Arcus’ role in building the world we all deserve.” 

Dani previously served as a program assistant at NEO Philanthropy’s Four Freedoms Fund, an immigration justice funding collaborative. She also worked as a community organizer in Providence, Rhode Island, and Oakland, California.

She finds joy making plant medicine and singing karaoke.

Learn More about Arcus’ Social Justice strategy.

ABOUT ARCUS
Founded in 2000 by Jon Stryker, the Arcus Foundation is a private grantmaking institution dedicated to the idea that people can live in harmony with one another and the natural world. Arcus’ work is based on the belief that respect for diversity among peoples and in nature is essential to a positive future for our planet and all of its inhabitants. The foundation works globally and has offices in New York City and Cambridge, UK.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Antonissen
Communications Manager
Arcus Foundation
hantonissen@arcusfoundation.org  

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