Maria Santos
Founder & Executive Director
First-generation college grad from East Oakland. 12 years leading Roots from a church basement to 45 communities.
Who We Are
About Roots Foundation
Founded in 2014, we believe every child's potential is limitless when the right support is in place.
Mission and Vision
Our Mission
To partner with underserved communities to provide youth with high-quality education, mentorship, and the resources they need to succeed from classroom to career. We show up, we listen, and we build from the ground up.
Our Vision
A world where every young person — regardless of zip code, income, or background — has equal access to the education and opportunity they deserve. We envision thriving communities where potential is never wasted.
Est. 2014
Our Story
Rooted in Community, Growing Together
Roots Foundation started in 2014 with a single after-school program in a church basement in East Oakland. Our founder, Maria Santos, was a first-generation college graduate who saw too many kids in her neighborhood falling through the cracks — bright, capable young people who just needed someone to believe in them.
"I started with five kids and a folding table. I didn't have a plan. I just knew that if someone had been there for me, everything would have been different. So I decided to be that person."
— Maria Santos, Founder & Executive Director
Ten years later, that one program has grown into a network spanning 45 communities across the Bay Area. But our approach hasn't changed: we show up, we listen, and we build alongside the families and educators who know their communities best. Every program is designed with — not for — the people it serves.
Leadership
Meet Our Team
Dedicated leaders who bring decades of experience in education, community development, and nonprofit management.
James Okafor
Chief Operating Officer
Former McKinsey consultant who traded corporate strategy for community impact. Manages operations across all 45 sites.
Dr. Linda Chen
Director of Programs
Ed.D from Stanford. 15 years in curriculum design. Oversees all six core programs and our research partnerships.
David Washington
Director of Development
Roots alum, Class of 2018. Returned to lead fundraising after graduating from UC Berkeley. Raised $2.3M last year.
Our Network
Partners & Sponsors
We're grateful for the organizations that make our work possible through funding, mentorship, and in-kind support.
Bay Area Community Fund
Founding funder since 2014
Google.org
STEM program sponsor
Oakland Unified Schools
Site & curriculum partner
Kaiser Permanente
Wellness & nutrition sponsor
Wells Fargo Foundation
Financial literacy programs
Nike Community Impact
Summer camp athletics
UC Berkeley School of Ed
Research & evaluation partner
Patagonia Environmental
Community garden grants
2025 Annual Report
Year in Review
$2.3M
Total Revenue
22% increase over prior year
89%
Program Spend
89 cents of every dollar goes directly to programs
12,000
Youth Served
Up from 9,400 in 2024
1,200
Active Volunteers
Contributing 48,000+ hours annually
Our Journey
A Decade of Growth
From a church basement to 45 communities, here are the milestones that shaped Roots Foundation.
2014
The Beginning
Maria Santos launches the first after-school tutoring program in East Oakland with 5 students and 2 volunteers.
2016
First Expansion
Roots grows to 5 community sites and adds STEM workshops. Bay Area Community Fund becomes our first institutional funder.
2018
College Readiness Launch
First cohort of College Readiness students: 94% graduate high school, 82% enroll in college. Google.org signs on as STEM sponsor.
2020
Pivoting Through Crisis
COVID-19 forces all programs virtual. We distribute 2,000 laptops and launch online tutoring, reaching students in 15 new communities.
2022
Summer Camp & Gardens
Summer Camp and Community Gardens programs launch. Parent Workshops begin in 12 sites with bilingual facilitators.
2025
12,000 Students Strong
Roots Foundation serves 12,000 students across 45 communities with 1,200 active volunteers and $2.3M in annual funding.