Maria De La Cruz

Maria De La Cruz is the Senior Director for the Resourcing Equity & Democracy portfolio at the Raikes Foundation. She is a seasoned executive leader, resource mobilizer, and philanthropic organizer who is passionate about moving funds to those with the least wealth, opportunity, and power.

Maria previously held leadership roles at Headwaters Foundation for Justice, where she championed racial justice and Native community programs. She also launched the Emergency Fund for Black Lives to support Black-led community organizing in the wake of the murders of Jamar Clark and Philando Castile and played a critical role in mobilizing funds after the murder of George Floyd.

Maria holds degrees in women’s studies, nonprofit management, and law.