We’re thrilled to welcome Demetria Huntsman as our new Senior Program Officer, where she’ll oversee the foundation’s youth and education justice grantmaking and engagements, including the So Love Can Win fund and All in for Oakland Initiative. Before coming to Akonadi Foundation, Demetria served as Chief Operating Officer at YR Media, and Senior Director, Operations and Finance for Black Futures Lab, in addition to many youth serving organizations in Oakland. Demetria will begin her role on October 2.
Read more about Demetria below!
1. What are you most looking forward to in your new role at Akonadi Foundation?
As someone born and raised in Oakland, my heart is overjoyed to partner with Akonadi and center organizing, systems change and Oakland culture. The role of the Senior Program Officer is pivotal to ensuring frontline work is sustainable and transformative. Akonadi has a longstanding track record of maximizing impact in the fight for racial and equity justice.
2. What drives your passion or commitment to working in the social justice and philanthropy space?
I come through the communities I serve and sit at multiple intersections of the oppressed. My life experiences and voice are invaluable to the philanthropic space. I am passionate about centering powerbuilding and advancing the movement for racial justice. In these times, more than ever, I am driven in the pursuit to create equitable communities where everyone thrives.
3. What does a racially just Oakland mean to you?
My vision for a racially just Oakland means advanced policy that ensures systems change for the most marginalized. It means the eradication of police violence and the criminalization of Black youth and youth of color. A racially just Oakland means high performing schools, thriving communities and an abundance of opportunities for working class people and families. I envision safety for Queer and Trans identified folks and adequate housing for everyone. I believe young people have always been at the forefront of our movements and will continue to lead the way.
