Dalma is recognized for her nearly 15 years of service to the Palo Alto community through her leadership at the nation’s largest community foundation
Gina Dalma, Executive Vice President of Community Action, Policy and Strategy at Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF), is the recipient of the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 ATHENA Leadership Award. The award recognizes and honors the achievements of outstanding professional and business women working in and contributing to Palo Alto. Award recipients not only excel in their chosen fields but also open paths so that others may follow and excel too.
“I am deeply humbled to receive this award and join a long line of women who have contributed to lasting impact in our communities,” Dalma said. “Throughout Palo Alto and the rest of the Silicon Valley region, residents are facing many challenges, like systems built on racial injustice, significant wealth inequality and homelessness. At Silicon Valley Community Foundation, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with organizations and community leaders who are working to solve these issues every day. I look forward to continuing my work to ensure that our region is equitable, more just, economically secure and vibrant for all.”
Prior to her current EVP role, Dalma served as Senior Vice President for Public Policy and Special Advisor to the CEO, driving SVCF’s public policy agenda at the regional, state and national levels. She was pivotal in the passage of the California Mathematics Placement Act of 2015, signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown in October 2015 and sponsored by Silicon Valley Community Foundation. She serves as a member of the Council on Foundations’ Policy Committee and the League of California Community Foundations’ Policy Committee and is chair of its Housing Committee. Previously, Dalma was SVCF’s Director of Grantmaking.
“As a relentless advocate for Silicon Valley residents whose voices are not well represented at decision-making tables and as a leader who strives to build pathways for others, Gina is a true community champion,” said SVCF CEO Nicole Taylor. “I am grateful for the immense wisdom, expertise and passion Gina brings to the community foundation’s work every day.”