Isabel Casillas Guzman and Joseph Tomás McKellar join Weingart Foundation board

The Weingart Foundation announced the appointment of The Honorable Isabel Casillas Guzman and Joseph Tomás McKellar to its Board of Directors.

The foundation also honored the retirement of Monica Lozano after 20 years of service. 

 “We are honored to welcome Isabel and Joseph to the Board,” said Joanna S. Jackson, President and C.E.O. of the Weingart Foundation. “We are building on the extraordinary legacy of leaders who helped shape this institution while ushering in new voices whose experience reflects the future we are working toward. Isabel has dedicated her career to expanding economic opportunity and helping communities build pathways to prosperity, while Joseph has spent his career organizing alongside communities to strengthen civic participation and community power.”

Casillas Guzman is a leader in entrepreneurship, small business development and economic opportunity. She most recently served as the 27th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration under President Biden, where she oversaw the agency’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and helped expand access to capital, federal contracting opportunities, and business support services for millions of entrepreneurs. She currently serves as Founder of Avenida Advisors, helping businesses and institutions drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

“Throughout my career, I have worked to expand economic opportunity and ensure more people have the resources and support they need to build better futures for themselves, their families, and their communities,” said Casillas Guzman. “What inspires me about the Weingart Foundation is its belief in the potential of every community and its commitment to investing in leaders and organizations creating pathways to opportunity and justice. I am honored to join the Board at such an important moment and help advance a future where all people have the chance to thrive.”

McKellar is Executive Director of PICO California, the state's largest faith-based organizing network, where he leads efforts to build community power, strengthen civic participation, and support grassroots leadership across California. 

“I have long admired the Weingart Foundation's commitment to supporting the organizations, leaders, and movements working to expand opportunity and strengthen communities across Southern California,” said McKellar. “At a time when many people are facing significant challenges, it is more important than ever to invest in the leadership, organizing, and collective power of communities. I am honored to join the Board and help advance a future where everyone has the opportunity to belong, participate, and thrive.”

Monica Lozano was the first woman and Latina to serve on the foundation’s board. 

“Monica’s impact on the Weingart Foundation is immeasurable. Her legacy reflects an unwavering conviction to expand access, equity, and opportunity for communities on the margins. We are a stronger, more just Foundation because of her leadership and she will be missed,” Jackson said.