Groundwork USA is delighted to share that Sarah Calderon is taking the helm as the new President of Groundwork
USA’s Board of Directors!

While she recently joined the Groundwork USA Board in early 2023, Sarah has been part of the Groundwork community for over a decade. She began her work with Groundwork in 2012 as the Executive Director of Groundwork Richmond in Richmond, CA, when the young organization was still developing a vision for the future of its work. As the executive director for seven years, she worked to establish a solid foundation for the organization’s financial and programmatic success. Since stepping back in 2018, Sarah has been a member of their board and is supporting the creation of new workforce development programs. Before joining Groundwork, she worked with several San Francisco Bay Area nonprofits to build youth leadership and address systemic inequities. While her work crosses several sectors, an unwavering commitment to justice and equity is the common element throughout her career.

“My work with Groundwork enables me to live my commitment to creating spaces for communities of color to be active participants in changing their environment, by hands-on experiences, by becoming involved decision-makers, and by creating opportunities in the workforce to advance these same initiatives. This has been a central part of my vision and work at Groundwork Richmond, and I’m excited to continue this work at the national level.”

With her experience growing a Groundwork Trust and developing youth leadership and workforce training programs, Sarah brings fresh perspectives and valuable insights to Groundwork USA that are sure to spark new growth opportunities.

“I am both humbled and honored to take on this role, primarily because I feel Groundwork USA is at a tipping point with new leadership,” shares Sarah. “Heather and I share a vision for the future and a commitment to helping Trusts throughout the network succeed. I’m excited to bring a new perspective to the role that I feel is critical to helping GWUSA capitalize on the momentum of this moment for long-term success.”

Groundwork USA’s CEO, Heather McMann, echoes the excitement. “Since first joining the Groundwork community, Sarah has been a champion for strengthening connections across the network and collaborating for shared success. I look forward to working with her to strengthen the capacity of the entire network to achieve our shared vision of healthy, just, and resilient communities.”

With over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Sarah brings extensive nonprofit leadership experience and passion for youth development to this role. We’re excited to continue expanding our environmental justice impact through her leadership!