Santana-Chin is First Latina to Lead as Organization Drives Bold Vision to Create Pathways Out of Poverty and Close Racial Wealth Gap in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA (July 31, 2024) — The United Way of Greater Los Angeles (United Way) announced last week the appointment of Martha Santana-Chin as Chair of the Board of Directors. The Health Net Plan Chief Product President will be the first Latina to serve in this role in the chapter’s history.
For more than 100 years, United Way has been a cornerstone in the fight to end poverty in the Greater Los Angeles community by supporting and empowering people to secure housing, an education and a good-paying job. As United Way steps into its next century, the organization is committed to supporting bold, new models for programs, policies and partnerships that challenge existing approaches, break historic cycles and bring meaningful, permanent change.
“We are thrilled to welcome Martha Santana-Chin as the new Chair of our Board of Directors,” said Elise Buik, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles. “Martha’s extensive expertise and leadership will undoubtedly guide us as we embark on our next chapter of service, driving innovative solutions to lift more Angelenos out of poverty.”
Santana-Chin brings to the Board a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to driving health equity and advocating for the most vulnerable communities, uniquely positioning her to lead United Way’s transformative journey. In her role as Plan Chief Product President, Santana-Chin leads operations and Health Net’s Medicare and Medi-Cal business lines, which provide high-quality, affordable care to over two million members – many coming from underserved communities. Through this work, Santana-Chin has partnered across sectors and industries, focusing on creating equitable health outcomes, ensuring access to essential services and empowering underserved populations. She is the eldest of nine children and the proud daughter of a single mother who was an immigrant farm worker with a second-grade education. Her lived experience and expertise as a convener will be instrumental as United Way expands its initiatives to address poverty through community college education and economic development, in addition to its traditional advocacy for affordable housing and homelessness services.
“United Way has a long legacy of driving meaningful change and improving lives in our community, and I am deeply honored to serve as the Chair of the Board of Directors,” said Martha Santana-Chin. “I take on this role at a pivotal time for United Way as we look at building new models of economic opportunity that uplift our neighborhoods and families. Work is underway to support entrepreneurs and small business owners, identify new models of homeownership and connect our students to growing industries in Los Angeles. I’m optimistic and excited to be working alongside our dedicated team, my fellow Board members, and partners to continue creating pathways out of poverty and ensuring that every Angeleno has the opportunity to thrive.”
United Way has the unparalleled ability to scale programs and solutions regionally, enabling the organization to leverage funding and impact a significantly larger portion of the Los Angeles population than traditional non-profits. United Way is a regional leader, amplifying the impact of a broad network of community-based organizations.
“Los Angeles County is an incredibly diverse region, with more than 10 million residents, 140 cultures and as many as 224 languages – this makes it one of the most complex regions to deliver meaningful impact. United Way is uniquely positioned to do this work because of their experience, reach and focus,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell. “My staff and I have worked with Martha and her team on a variety of programs including their investment in a groundbreaking Doula program saving the lives of many birthing mothers and their babies. Martha’s appointment as Chair is a significant moment. Her leadership will strengthen United Way’s efforts to uplift our most vulnerable residents.”
United Way is committed to partnering with non-profits to support community college students in their educational pursuits. The programs funded by United Way reflect the unique challenges facing this population, including food and housing insecurity.
“A college degree can be the springboard to a more secure future, but many low-income Angelenos face barriers to higher education. Through our work with United Way, community college students gain access to additional resources and support they may need to be successful,” said Dr. Christie Dam, Work Experience Education Professor at Los Angeles Trade Technical College. “Martha’s leadership will enhance progress and expand our collaborative opportunities.”
United Way supports economic initiatives that provide Angelenos with good-paying jobs and opportunities to grow small businesses. Specifically, the organization funds programs that provide living wages, establish small businesses, provide procurement opportunities to small businesses and minority- and women-owned businesses, and identify new models that make homeownership possible.
“United Way has a proud legacy of connecting corporations with non-profits to chip away at the region’s systemic problems underpinning poverty,” said Kevin Demoff, President of the Los Angeles Rams.”I am confident that under Martha’s principled leadership, we will continue to see a strong partnership with the business community and make strides in our work to address poverty and promote equity in Los Angeles.”
Under Santana-Chin’s leadership, United Way is set to embark on a bold path forward to ending poverty in Los Angeles County and closing the racial wealth gap through programs that support and empower people to secure housing, an education and a job. This will be the pathway to breaking the cycle, building prosperity and ensuring an equitable Los Angeles for all.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Rena Troldahl
rtroldahl@unitedwayla.org
Phone Number (213) 712-8740
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About United Way of Greater Los Angeles
United Way of Greater Los Angeles is one of LA’s most trusted nonprofits, mobilizing neighbors and investments to support each other in a crisis and build a future where everyone shares in our region’s wealth and prosperity. For more information visit www.unitedwayla.org.