Ellen Lathrop

Ellen joined Koret in the spring of 2024 to support the Foundation’s grantmaking activities. Most recently, she had served as program manager at 826 Valencia, a San Francisco non-profit focused on advancing the writing skills of underserved children and teenagers. Ellen produced annual anthologies of student writing; led tracking and reporting of program metrics for the organization’s funders; and created writing programming for 3rd–8th graders.

Previously, Ellen taught English and history in middle- and high-school classrooms in San Francisco for seven years. She developed equity-focused curricula and reaffirmed, semester after semester, her belief that “literacy is the foundational skill for whatever you want to be able to do; to thoughtfully express yourself in writing is huge.” She also believes deeply in the nimbleness and importance of philanthropy in achieving positive impact for individuals and communities.

Public education is near and dear to Ellen, and she is passionate about the value of supporting organizations that help bridge the gaps between what schools are able to offer and the need that exists. Earlier in her career, Ellen managed grantmaking operations for two initiatives of San Francisco’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families. She also executed grantmaking activities for The David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

Ellen earned her Master of Education at Harvard University and her Bachelor of Arts at George Washington University, with a major in political science and a minor in sociocultural anthropology.

Ellen is a voracious reader. Ten years ago, she and a friend started a feminist book group that still meets regularly. She also watercolors and knits. A Bay Area native, Ellen enjoys exploring, including trying new restaurants and taking long walks.