SVCN and Local Nonprofit Partners Welcome Kyra Kazantzis in Downtown San José

On Thursday, June 20, Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits board, staff and community partners welcomed Kyra Kazantzis as the new SVCN CEO at Forager Tasting Room and Eatery in Downtown San José.

As community partners and leaders joined in celebration, County Supervisor Joe Simitian, State Senator Jim Beall, and San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo – all colleagues, mentors, and friends of Kyra – shared their memories of working with her and well wishes for her future at the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits.

Supervisor Simitian reminisced about their work together to save the homes of the 400 low-income residents of Buena Vista Mobile Home Park and acknowledged her ability to make smart compromises toward the greater good.

Senator Beall recalled the first time he ever saw Kyra’s name – on a subpoena issued to him when she was suing the County Board of Supervisors while at the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley. He added that governments should in fact agree to be sued if it is in the name of positive change for the community.

San José Mayor Sam Liccardo wished Kyra success and pledged his personal commitment to help smaller and emerging nonprofits with capacity building, and his support for SVCN’s new scholarship fund.

Under Kyra’s leadership, SVCN has established a scholarship fund to help cover the costs of trainings and membership for organizations and staff who may not be able to participate due to financial constraints.

Attendees were able to double their contributions to the fund thanks to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, which generously offered to match all donations at the event, up to $5,000.

If you were not able to attend, you can still donate to the fund here.

Thank you all for coming to the reception and helping us welcome our new CEO.

Check out more photos from the event on the SVCN Facebook page!