Son Chau

As Lead Institutional Partnerships Officer, Son drives programs that create opportunities for corporations and foundations to be effective in their community investments, and to be actors in solidarity with movement leaders. 

For over a decade, Son has facilitated collaboration across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors to address racial and economic inequities across the Bay Area. Son began his career as an organizer in the labor movement in his hometown of San Jose. There, he realized the power of multi-sector, cross-racial coalitions to advance systems change, especially for working families and Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities.  Son has since incorporated these values in stewarding nearly $1 Billion in charitable assets globally. In New York City, he consulted with corporate and private foundation clients at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, KIND Snacks, and BDO FMA. Upon returning home, he worked at Silicon Valley Community Foundation, advising donors on community philanthropy rooted in trust, racial equity, and racial justice. 

Son holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from NYU Wagner and a Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies and American Studies from UC Berkeley. He is certified in philanthropic advising as a CAP® at The American College of Financial Services and 21/64. Son also has a certificate in project leadership from Cornell University, as well as certifications in nonprofit finance and business analytics. 

Based in Oakland, Son lives with his partner and their dog. He gives back to his alma mater by developing UC Berkeley alumni to engage in activism and mentorship. Beyond work, Son enjoys music festivals and the local foodie scene.