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I began my career in corporate and securities law at Brobeck Phleger & Harrison in Palo Alto following my graduation from UC Berkeley Law School (where I met my husband, Matt) and an undergraduate degree at UCLA.  As an attorney, I advised start-up companies on formation, capital raising and corporate governance, primarily in the biotech industry. 

In the mid-nineties, I left my legal practice to pursue a path that I felt would contribute to greater positive social change.  In 1996, this led to my establishing the Sobrato Family Foundation, conceived as a vehicle for multiple generations of the Sobrato family to unify their philanthropic giving for maximum impact.  I served as its Board Chair for over 25 years and as interim-CEO on several occasions.  Over this time, the Foundation has become one of the largest private foundations in the country and is consistently one the top donors to local organizations in Silicon Valley.  

The Sobrato Family Foundation is now part of a larger umbrella of philanthropic entities known as Sobrato Philanthropies, whose mission is to partner with communities to meet immediate needs, address systemic barriers and pursue social justice. Sobrato Philanthropies is part of The Sobrato Organization (TSO), a multi-generational, family-owned firm that has played a dynamic role in the emergence and growth of Silicon Valley for nearly 70 years. The family’s vision is to leverage their real estate, capital, and philanthropic enterprises by integrating them for impact in support of creating a more equitable and sustainable world.  I currently serve as the Chair of TSO’s Owners Council and as a member of the TSO Governance Board and Sobrato Philanthropies Board of Trustees.  

In addition, I am a strong advocate for the rights of disadvantaged youth in both the educational and foster care systems. I currently serve on the Board of Directors of KQED, Silicon Schools, Pivotal and SEAL. I am a former board member of KIPP (Bay Area chapter), among other non-profit organizations.  Some honors include the John W. Gardner Leadership Award from American Leadership Forum, Humanitarian of the Year from Hidden Villa and San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame Inductee.

With AIC, I am excited to draw upon my experience as an advisor to technology companies, community leader, philanthropist and impact investor to nurture and mentor nascent impact ventures and promising social entrepreneurs to address the world’s greatest challenges.