Bonne-Elise is a program associate at the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. She supports grantmaking to drive equitable outcomes in maternal health and child development and to make California’s communities strong, resilient places where all families can thrive. Her role involves data and operations support to improve equitable outcomes in maternal and child health, protecting healthy environments, and supporting local communities in partnership with grantees.
Prior to joining the Foundation, she worked as the Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator for the National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy, a non-profit dedicated to helping children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities, and mental health challenges through equine-assisted programs. With over three years of experience working in the non-profit sector, she brings a strong background in supporting cross-functional operations, community building, and project coordination. She completed her bachelor’s degree in international relations with a focus in the health sciences from the University of Bridgeport, in her hometown Bridgeport, CT.
She has a passion for learning about new cultures and international travel. She spent time in Jordan examining the impact that political climates and social factors have on refugee groups and to study the Arabic language. She coordinated service projects in Rwanda to invest in youth leadership programs and typhoon relief efforts in the Philippines. She is an avid equestrian and her time outside of work is spent riding her lease horse Carolina. On weekends you’ll find her cooking in the kitchen or at a campsite and exploring small towns.