Adriana Sanchez is a visionary leader, community advocate, and creative force behind some of the most impactful initiatives at the Latino Community Foundation. As the Director of Community Organizing, Adriana blends her expertise in strategy, fundraising, and community-driven leadership to create lasting change for immigrant communities and youth across California.
Adriana leads PoderArte, LCF’s $2.5 million art and culture initiative that fosters civic engagement and shifts pro-immigrant narratives. She also helped us launch our economic justice program in 2020, advancing immigrant entrepreneurship, job creation, and policy reform. In addition, Adriana contributes to our groundbreaking Latino Power Fund, LCF’s $50 million endowment campaign, securing critical support to amplify Latino-led power-building efforts. She joined our team in 2018 to help us drive our regional strategy and investments in the Central Valley.
Adriana’s professional journey spans over 18 years, including her time at Open Society Foundations, where she managed a $10 million grantmaking portfolio dedicated to immigrant and refugee rights. Her leadership in the Emma Lazarus II Fund—a $20 million initiative—helped maximize the impact of DACA for undocumented students nationwide. She began her career advocating for undocumented students in the Central Valley, creating pathways for education and organizing leadership seminars and DACA workshops.
Beyond her work at LCF, Adriana serves as the Board Vice President for Arte Américas, a cultural center that celebrates Latino arts and culture in Fresno. Adriana is proud to be an immigrant from Mexico and uses her bilingual skills to connect with and support diverse communities.
Adriana earned her MA in International Relations and holds BAs in Political Science, Latin American Studies, and Spanish Literature from Fresno State University.
When she’s not working on innovative strategies for social change, you can find Adriana dancing, vlogging her travels, or exploring her passion for entrepreneurship. Her love for storytelling and creativity makes her a unique leader for our community and a central figure in LCF’s mission to uplift Latino voices and leadership.