We envision a region where talent is never limited by circumstance, and every Angeleno can achieve their education and career aspirations.
OUR VISION
Meet the Team
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Kelly King
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As Executive Director of the Foundation for the Los Angeles Community Colleges, Kelly King leads programs and philanthropic partnerships that support the 200,000+ students and diverse communities served by the Los Angeles Community College District. Most recently King served as Senior Program Officer for Education at the California Community Foundation where she managed large-scale efforts to advance a more equitable education system in Los Angeles County, with a special focus on postsecondary access and attainment. Before joining CCF in 2015, King was Executive Vice President at Focusing Philanthropy where she developed and managed a national portfolio of philanthropic investments that included education, health access, and workforce development. King began her career in the education and nonprofit sector at the Scripps College Academy, leading the college access program to national recognition. King received a bachelor’s degree in politics and public policy analysis from Scripps College, and a master’s degree in education policy, evaluation, and reform from Claremont Graduate University.
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Katy Cisneros, MPH
GRANT COORDINATOR
Katy brings a background in public health and community development to her role as Grants Coordinator, where she helps transform ideas into meaningful opportunities that support students and communities. With expertise in grant management, proposal writing, and program coordination, she works to connect resources with impact. A former community college student and student parent herself, Katy understands firsthand the challenges many students face and is passionate about advancing education, wellness, and equity. She approaches her work with a collaborative spirit and a commitment to building programs that make a lasting difference.
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Daisy S. Pizana
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
As the Development Officer, Daisy is dedicated to supporting students and strengthening educational opportunities, especially for first-generation students. With a background in education, government, and fund development. At the Foundation, Daisy plays a key role in fundraising for scholarships and other support for students, faculty, and staff. She is passionate about creating pathways to success and ensuring that all students have the resources they need to thrive.
Outside of work, Daisy enjoys photography, travel, and other creative hobbies, which helps her stay grounded and connected to her community. She lives in Los Angeles with her partner and their two cats.
Our Board of Directors
Board Officers
2025-2026
Emily Vaughn Henry, Chair Assistant Chief Information Officer, County of San Bernardino
Laura Peralta, Vice Chair VP of Community & Business Development, Chase
Alberto J. Román, D.P.A. Chancellor, Los Angeles, Community College District
Frank Lee, Treasurer Executive Director, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Kelly King, Secretary
Executive Director, Foundation for the Los Angeles Community Colleges
The Board of Directors of the Foundation is composed of community members nominated and elected by the membership. Directors serve for terms of three years and are eligible for re-election without limitation on the number of terms.
A list of current members and leadership is available here: www.laccd.edu/about/foundation
The Foundation’s Board of Directors operates under the California Brown Act, also known as the Open Meeting Law, Government Code 54940.
Your support has made a really big impact on my life by helping me, my family, and my journey in school—everything from being able to get to school, to having supplies, to making sure I had a meal while I was there. It took off stress and helped me feel more calm. A lot of students would benefit from this program like I have!
- Ashley, East Los Angeles College
Foundation Overview
The Foundation for Los Angeles Community Colleges is the nonprofit and philanthropic partner to the Los Angeles Community College District, which serves nearly 200,000 students across nine colleges each year. We work to ensure every student, regardless of income, background, or life circumstance, has the support they need to persist, complete, and thrive. By removing barriers, investing in lasting infrastructure, and aligning resources with strategies that scale, we turn potential into progress. Every dollar we steward is managed with transparency, urgency, and efficiency to create the greatest return for students and for Los Angeles
Our Core Beliefs
We believe students bring brilliance and that systems should bring support.
Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t. Our students are workers, caregivers, immigrants, parents, and first-gen pioneers. We design supports that honor their multiple identities and abundant aspirations.
We fund solutions, not band-aids.
We go beyond short-term fixes by investing in infrastructure and innovation that lead to lasting change for students and institutions.
We believe in open access by design, not by accident.
Like community colleges , we meet students where they are and help propel them to where they want to be.
We turn complexity into clarity.
Navigating higher education shouldn’t require a degree in decoding bureaucracy. We simplify systems, connect resources, and make change easier to access and easier to scale.
We grow what works, and fix what doesn’t.
We listen to students, and partner with colleges. We act on data, and we aren’t afraid to innovate when current systems leave students behind.
Our District Partners
The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) is the largest community college district in California and among the largest in the nation, serving nearly 200,000 students across nine colleges. Learn more.
