Iris Elent, MSW

Director 

Iris Elent (she, her, ella) is a passionate change maker who brings empathy, skilled facilitation, and strategic thinking to her role as Director of Strategic Planning and Community Engagement. She steers mission-driven groups towards a collective vision, strategic plans, and meaningful action by designing inclusive processes, listening deeply, and asking critical questions that surface new perspectives. She led the development of multiple strategic plans, including for First 5 San Mateo County, where she designed and facilitated an inclusive, countywide planning process that centered community voice and guided stakeholders in shaping shared priorities and strategies for impact.

Her approach to harvesting social change begins with cultivating authentic relationships, listening to the lived experiences of those closest to the issues, and identifying simple yet powerful actions to implement.

With more than 12 years of experience in the social impact sector, Iris has managed nonprofit programs, led strategic planning initiatives, cultivated cross-sector partnerships, and designed processes that authentically engage community stakeholders. She is especially adept at facilitating discussions that turn ideas into outcomes while navigating complex dynamics and centering the voices of those most closely affected by the issues. 

A lifelong advocate for equity and systems change, Iris began her career in the nonprofit sector, providing trauma-informed counseling and program management for BIPOC youth and young adults. When Iris is not advancing community-driven solutions, she is playing with her two small children, planning gatherings for friends and family, enjoying live music, or getting lost in a good book.

Education

M.S.W., University of Southern California

B.S. Sociology & Feminist Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara