Cecilia Cortes Vila is an immigrant from South America, passionate about collaborative initiatives that promote social justice through a gender and racial justice lens. More than fifteen years of experience in social science research in academia and the private sector inform Cecilia’s approach to social and political change, power building and economic justice. Rooted in trust-based philanthropy, Cecilia’s work with grassroots organizations in NYC focuses on supporting initiatives and organizations promoting restorative non-extractive and cooperative economic models that center women and gender non-conforming individuals. Cecilia is a proud alumna of the Universidad Nacional de Buenos Aires and Universidad Tres de Febrero; she currently leads The New York Women’s Foundation’s Economic Justice Strategy, where she has strengthened place-based investments and coalition building to support local organizations that are fighting for a more equitable and inclusive city.