Social Venture Partners Tucson is pleased to announce Yissel Salafsky as its new Executive Director, marking a new chapter as the organization relaunches its work in Southern Arizona.
SVP Tucson is part of Social Venture Partners International, a global network of engaged philanthropists working alongside nonprofits and communities to create lasting change.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Yissel to lead SVP Tucson. With her extensive experience in the Tucson community and her prior work with us as CEO of one of our nonprofit partners, she will hit the ground running as we strengthen and evolve the support Tucson’s nonprofit community needs.”
— Bruce Friedman, SVP Tucson Board Member
Salafsky brings more than two decades of leadership experience spanning the nonprofit, higher education and private sectors, most recently serving as CEO of Make Way for Books. During her tenure, the early literacy organization expanded its reach across nine Arizona counties, including rural and Indigenous communities, while strengthening the systems, data and organizational infrastructure needed to support that growth.
At Make Way for Books, Salafsky experienced SVP’s values-based model firsthand through capacity-building consulting, leadership coaching, grants and relationships with SVP Partners — an experience closely aligned with her own leadership approach.
“Those who have worked with me know that I return repeatedly to three pillars: transparency, collaboration and process. When those things are working together, organizations are better positioned to navigate change, make thoughtful decisions and focus their energy on the people and communities they serve.”
— Yissel Salafsky
Salafsky previously held senior leadership roles at the University of Arizona and completed the two-year ATLAS capacity-building program. She holds a master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Arizona State University.
“As both CEO of SVP International and a Tucsonan, I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Yissel to lead SVP Tucson into its next chapter. She understands the SVP model from the nonprofit side of the partnership and knows firsthand what becomes possible when donors bring not only their financial resources, but their skills, relationships and experience alongside community leaders. Yissel is a thoughtful, collaborative leader with deep roots in Southern Arizona, and I’m thrilled to work with her as we rebuild a strong and vibrant SVP Tucson.”
— Ciara Garcia, CEO of Social Venture Partners International
A New Chapter for SVP Tucson
Following a period of pause and reassessment, SVP Tucson will preserve its core tenets while introducing a refreshed approach. Fast Pitch, for example, will return in a new format designed to better serve nonprofit participants and the broader community.
Salafsky’s work will begin with listening and rebuilding trust among current and former SVP Partners, nonprofit leaders, funders and community partners.
“SVP has proven to be a force multiplier in Tucson. Our community is filled with people who want to contribute more than a donation. SVP creates a way for those individuals to work alongside nonprofit leaders — not simply as funders, but as partners.”
— Yissel Salafsky
SVP Tucson will continue its focus on connecting nonprofit organizations with capacity-building expertise and resources while creating more meaningful opportunities for philanthropic and business leaders to understand and address the challenges nonprofits face.
SVP Tucson will also prioritize collaboration across Southern Arizona and strengthen connections with the broader Social Venture Partners network.
“Our direction is not about replicating the past. It’s about honoring what worked, learning from what didn’t and intentionally building what comes next. I’m excited to bring people together around that work.”
— Yissel Salafsky
Salafsky has called Southern Arizona home since the 1990s. Her professional roots in Tucson began at the University of Arizona, where she studied and met her husband, David. They have since raised their family in Tucson.
About SVP Tucson
Social Venture Partners Tucson brings together nonprofit leaders, community partners, funders, professionals and volunteers to strengthen the organizations serving our community. Through capacity-building projects, leadership coaching, Fast Pitch, community events and other opportunities, SVP Tucson mobilizes time, talent, relationships and resources to help nonprofits grow their capacity and deepen their impact.
SVP Tucson also educates and equips Partners to become more informed, engaged and effective philanthropists through hands-on learning and direct collaboration with nonprofit leaders.
To learn more and watch for upcoming opportunities, explore becoming an SVP Tucson Partner, learn about opportunities for nonprofits, or visit SVPTucson.org.