Decade of Dedication: Celebrating Jason Lacsamana’s Impact and Inspiration

This year marks a significant milestone for Jason Lacsamana as he celebrates his 10th anniversary with the St. Joseph Fund (SJF). For the past decade, Jason has been a driving force behind our mission to build lively, hopeful, healthy, and just communities. To celebrate his remarkable contributions, we asked a few people closest to him to share their favorite memories of working alongside Jason. Their stories highlight his dedication, compassion, and the positive effect he has had on many lives. We celebrate Jason’s remarkable accomplishments and are excited for the future impact his innovative approach will bring to our communities.

 

 

Anne Olin, President and Chief Executive, Charitable Ventures

Jason embodies the values of compassion and equity he sponsors in all his partnerships and interactions. He is a board member, a client, a funder, and a partner, but when you are with Jason, the first thing you feel is that you are with a friend. Jason wears several different hats without conflict. And I appreciate that he is, first and foremost, a friend and partner that wants to work with you. Jason has been quietly behind so many innovative and impactful philanthropic initiatives. I admire his willingness to risk failure and his eagerness to try a new approach.

One of my favorite memories of Jason is seeing him interact with one of his children. He was a new board member of Charitable Ventures and brought his new son, Theo, to our planning and discussion meeting. Both dad and son were so happy! Jason brings the same joy and focus to his professional and personal life.

 

 

Amy Huang, Program Officer

In the years I’ve worked with Jason, I’ve been impressed with how he supports and elevates women of color in the philanthropic field and community. Whether through a grantmaking partnership or identifying consultants to support our internal work, Jason is steadfast in honoring, listening to, paying tribute to, and amplifying women of color who continue to illuminate and serve as the backbone of social movements.

I admire Jason’s communication skills! I have been in many settings with Jason where he could hold a conversation with anyone on any topic. His ability to listen, be present, and share a dialogue speaks to his humility, humbleness, and knack for worldly knowledge.

The philanthropic field has strengthened because of Jason’s impact on reimagining a funder-grantee relationship. His commitment to addressing traditional philanthropic practices that have harmed and tokenized communities of color to one that centers partnership, co-design, and exploration with community allows for bigger and more joyful visioning opportunities.

On a personal note, when we traveled to Montana – a first for both of us – to visit and build relationships with our grantee partners, Jason drove. From Missoula to Helena, he graced us with the best auxiliary from 80s R&B to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” anthem.

 

 

Gabriela Robles, Chief Mission Integration Officer, South Division, Providence St. Joseph Health and Chief Executive, St. Joseph Fund

Jason has always been very supportive of our grantees and partners, providing guidance, technical assistance, and more. He prioritizes his relationship with partners and always thinks of ways SJF can support beyond the grant. He encourages SJF to sponsor staff and board retreats to allow us to focus on strategic planning, team building, and board governance efforts. He offers his time, guidance, and wisdom to help our partners thrive and ultimately support the community.

I am so thankful for his leadership and commitment to the communities we serve. Jason’s steadfast efforts to develop funding initiatives focused on racial equity and community power-building have significantly and positively influenced several communities.

Our work requires a lot of travel and scheduling. Jason graciously stepped into the role of coordinator. He is a travel expert and has helped us navigate several flight transfers to a small hub we frequently visit. He always goes a step beyond and tracks flights on his phone to help prevent us from missing connecting flights.

I’m also appreciative of his sweet tooth! He finds the best chocolate chip cookies and shares them with the team.

 

Please join us in congratulating Jason on his 10 years of service to our communities. We look forward to the next decade of impact he will make.