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Our new Executive Director

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Hi Friends,
​

Earlier this year, I announced my intention to step down as Executive Director of California ChangeLawyers (formerly California Bar Foundation).

Today, I’m elated and humbled to introduce you to my successor: Christopher Punongbayan.

Hiring Chris was deeply meaningful and inspiring.
Let me tell you why.


Many of you may know Chris as the former ED of Asian Americans Advancing Justice-ALC, where he worked for 8 years. He was most recently at Northern California Grantmakers where he was Director of Equity & Social Justice.

​You can read Chris’ full bio here >


What you may not know about Chris is that he received one of our scholarships in 2003 when he was a law student. We awarded Chris a scholarship because we believed in him. We believed in in his commitment to righting historical wrongs. We believed in his fearless determination to bring equity and justice for all.

And we were right. Chris never let us down. Not once.

In the 15 years since he received our scholarship, Chris has been a fearless advocate for immigrants, low-wage workers, and Muslim Americans. These deeply formative experiences shape his perspectives today, and I know how committed he is to breaking the cycle of inequity.

Chris is a vigilant optimist. He embodies what it means to be a changelawyer and now he leads California ChangeLawyers.

Thank you for the love and support you have given me and this organization. I know you’ll be there for Chris when he calls on you in the fight for justice.

In Solidarity,
Sonia

Meet Chris >

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California ChangeLawyersSM (formerly California Bar Foundation) is a statewide foundation that empowers the next generation of lawyers, judges, & activists.