Staff

Staff

Jennifer Ratay, Executive Director

Jen joined SV2 as Executive Director in 2013. Jen is a seasoned grantmaker and nonprofit management expert who has 15 years experience serving a variety of philanthropic and nonprofit organizations. Prior to joining SV2, Jen worked for six years as a program officer at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation where she led the Foundation’s multi-million dollar Organizational Effectiveness grants program that helps U.S. and international grantees strengthen their management, leadership, and impact. She has held leadership positions at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, consulted to the Aspen Institute, and worked for a U.S. Congressman, The Pew Charitable Trusts, and the United Nations. Jen holds a master's degree from Princeton University focused on international development and a bachelor’s degree in government and environmental studies from Dartmouth College. She has also trained as a leadership coach. More details. 

Holly Goodliffe, Director of Communications & Training

After studying Cultural Anthropology and Political Science at Stanford University, Holly has managed direct-service programs and led marketing campaigns at the American Red Cross, The Girls' Middle School, Lee Public Relations (high-tech firm), Sacred Heart Schools, and Goodwill Industries. At SV2, Holly oversees all marketing and public relations, in addition to all training programs for Partners and Grantees.

Lisa Downey, Director of Grantmaking and Grantee Impact

Lisa started her career on the other end of the grantmaking spectrum: working first in public relations and later in development with several Silicon Valley arts organizations. She then transitioned to 14 years of working in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, assessing community needs and building partnerships between government, nonprofit and faith-based groups to meet those needs in culturally-appropriate ways. Lisa is happy to be back living in her favorite climate and speaking her native language, and she is delighted to be supporting SV2’s vision of philanthropy and community engagement. At SV2, Lisa oversees all the grant rounds and Grantee advising.

Christine Rasmussen, Administrative Assistant

Christine recently joined the SV2 staff as Administrative Assistant.  She earned a BA in Peace & Conflict Studies and Art Practice with Honors from UC Berkeley.  She grew up in Pakistan and Vietnam and has spent several years painting, teaching art and working as an administrator for various nonprofits  including Arts and Literacy in Children’s Education, Hospitality House’s Community Arts Program, and Women and Their Work Gallery. At SV2, Christine supports the work of Partners and Staff.

Amy Kurzeka, Teen Program Director

A former middle-school teacher and Community Service Director, Amy comes to SV2 after years of working in independent schools. As a curriculum consultant, Amy has helped local schools and organizations develop programs that combine service and education in a meaningful way. Local projects include Eastside College Preparatory's Project Give, Wornick Jewish Day School's Tzedakah Project, and Summit Preparatory Charter High School's Teen Philanthropy Course.

Amy holds a B.B.A. in Business Administration from the University of San Diego, a M.A. in Education from Notre Dame de Namur University, and a Multiple Subject/CLAD Teaching Credential from San Diego State University.