About the Foundation
The Alliance Foundation is a hub of engaged, enthusiastic philanthropists and advocates that are helping propel Alliance into the top echelons of public schools systems in California and Alliance scholars to college completion. We bring together diverse leaders and communities to transform the public education landscape in Los Angeles to one that puts equity, justice and achievement at its center.
Since our incorporation in 2019, we have remained steadfast in our mission to raise resources and visibility for the Alliance network of schools, advocate for policies that improve quality public education for historically underserved youth, and build partnerships to strengthen Alliance schools and the communities that Alliance serves. We believe in the unlimited potential of our scholars and work to shine a bright light on what is possible for all public schools.
About Alliance College-Ready Public Schools
Alliance College-Ready Public Schools is one of the largest and most successful public charter school networks in the country. Alliance schools beat the odds, closing the opportunity gap for 13,000 scholars from low-income households who attend our 26 middle and high schools in Los Angeles’ most underserved communities. Ninety-three percent of incoming 6th grade scholars arrive at Alliance reading below grade level. Yet, year in and year out, 95% of Alliance scholars graduate from high school and are accepted to college.
Alliance schools now look to the future, setting an ambitious goal to ensure Alliance scholars not only get into college, but that they thrive in and graduate from college. The Alliance aspiration is that 75% of scholars earn a four-year degree.
Learn more about the Alliance College-Ready Public Schools here, and through our Annual Report.
Board of Trustees
The Alliance Foundation Board of Trustees is comprised of Los Angeles area civic, business and education leaders who share a deep commitment to educational equity and an unwavering belief in the academic promise of our scholars. They recognize that every child in our city deserves access to a great education and a shot at a bright future regardless of a child’s zip-code or socioeconomic background.
The founding members are:
Jeff Marine
Chair
James Andrews
Board Member
Gilbert Dávila
Board Member
Erik Kronstadt
Board Member
Harry Smith
Board Member
Jennifer DiGrazia
Vice-Chair
Peter Bachmann
Board Member
Lauren Edgerton
Board Member
Roopali Malhotra
Board Member
Eva Stern
Board Member
Michael Woronoff
Treasurer
Frank Baxter
Board Member
David Fisher
Board Member
Walter Mosley
Board Member
Milton Valera
Board Member
Dale Okuno
Secretary
Brett Brewer
Board Member
Rickey Ivie
Board Member
Kara Sax
Board Member
Staff
Catherine Suitor, Executive Director, brings with her an extensive depth of knowledge and experience in philanthropy. Prior to joining the Alliance Foundation, she served as the Chief Advancement Officer for Alliance College-Ready Public Schools for eight years, where she oversaw the organization’s fundraising, communications, and advocacy strategy. Before joining the Alliance, Catherine was the Vice President of Development for the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, where she was responsible for raising $55 million annually for community change initiatives in Los Angeles County. Prior to that, Catherine created an endowment and oversaw a ten-fold growth in annual income as the Director of Development at the Liberty Hill Foundation, and she raised unprecedented funds and awareness for the Central American Resource Center. Catherine began her career in advocacy as an organizer of human-rights awareness campaigns for the people of El Salvador.
- David Stanley, Vice President of Development
- Bo Gray, Director of Development & Communications
- Kari Sartorius, Director of Events and Donor Engagement
- Jenn Young, Manager of Foundation Operations
- Samantha Parham, Manager of Development & Communications
- Naomi Broder, Development Associate