Dee Dee Mendoza
About Dee Dee Mendoza
Dee Dee Mendoza serves as the Senior Director for the West Region at the Obama Foundation, bringing extensive experience in development and philanthropy. She has held various leadership roles at institutions like Dartmouth College and UC Berkeley, focusing on strategic partnerships and community impact.
Current Role at Obama Foundation
Dee Dee Mendoza serves as the Senior Director for the West Region at the Obama Foundation. In this role, she has been instrumental in advancing the foundation's mission since 2021. Mendoza operates from the San Francisco Bay Area, focusing on strategic initiatives that align with the foundation's goals.
Previous Experience at Dartmouth College
Mendoza worked at Dartmouth College as the Managing Director for West Coast Advancement from 2015 to 2018. During her three years in this position, she was responsible for enhancing the college's outreach and engagement efforts in the western United States. She later served as the Regional Director for West Coast Advancement from 2018 to 2021.
Professional Background at UC Berkeley
Mendoza has held multiple roles at UC Berkeley, including Associate Director of Development for the College of Engineering from 2005 to 2010, and Senior Director for the Silicon Valley Region from 2010 to 2014. Additionally, she served as Senior Director of University Relations Innovator Engagement from 2013 to 2015, contributing to various development initiatives.
Education and Expertise
Mendoza earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Smith College, where she studied from 1993 to 1997. She possesses expertise in impact and venture philanthropy, with a particular focus on communities of color and LGBTQ issues. Her specialization includes fostering strategic interactions between startups, entrepreneurs, and academia.
Development Roles and Skills
Mendoza's career includes significant roles in development, such as her position as Senior Development Associate at Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy from 1999 to 2003 and as a Development Officer at UC Berkeley's Rausser College of Natural Resources from 2003 to 2004. She is recognized for her ability to manage complex relationships, often described as a 'pro-level cat herder.'