Raquel Jacquez Sharp (she/her) is a senior program manager for Blue Shield of California Foundation, where she leads special projects under the direction of the chief program director. She is responsible for programmatic support that cuts across approach areas, including: economic security and mobility, breaking the cycle of domestic violence and aligning systems with community priorities. Raquel is deeply committed to supporting the health and safety of all Californians, and particularly those most in need.
Raquel has spent the majority of her career focused on health promotion in schools, libraries, and other community organizations. Prior to working in philanthropy, Raquel was the deputy director of The Charlie Cart Project, a national food and nutrition education nonprofit. Raquel led the national program strategy, including the training of a national network of health educators, scaling operations, and bringing essential resources to community health efforts. In this role, Raquel led program development with an emphasis on community collaboration and peer-to-peer learning. Raquel brings her expertise in building community partnerships, designing and executing programs, and leading operations to the Foundation.
Raquel holds a double bachelor’s degree in philosophy and ethnic studies from the University of California, Berkeley and a master’s in health education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She lives in Berkeley with her husband and two kids.