Who We Are
Our Vision
A world where systems are designed for justice and support equitable access to resources and opportunities for all Californians to thrive.
Our Mission
Catalyst California advocates for racial justice by building power and transforming public systems. We partner with communities of color, conduct innovative research, develop policies for actionable change, and shift money and power back into our communities.
Board of Directors
STAFF
Annual Report
Dive deeper into the impact we have in policymaking and systems change in service of low-income communities of color in California with our Annual Impact Reports.
Our Impact: Affecting Racial Justice
Catalyst California...Change rooted in truth, partnered with community, fueled by justice. Dive deeper into how we dismantle racial injustice and redesign systems for access and equity.
Our History: Fighting For Racial Equity
In the throes of a conservative takeover of the courts and a retrenchment on civil rights, former NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund attorneys, Constance L. Rice, Penda Hair, and Molly Munger, along with attorney Stephen R. English, established Advancement Project in 1999. Knowing the limits of litigation, they sought to employ cutting-edge strategies to achieve social change. For over 25 years, Catalyst California (formerly known as Advancement Project California) has advanced racial justice through building multiracial solidarity, forging deep connections with people across geography and identity, and believing that truth is the basis for transformative social change that makes the lives of Californians better.
Learn about how we celebrated our 25th Anniversary in 2025, featuring highlights from Race & Politics and Champions for Equity Awards, a look back at some of our historic victories, testimonial videos from board members, partners, and staff, throwback photos, and much more!