Serena Muindi
Serena, Co-Founder and ED of the Muindi Foundation, brings the organization's vision to life through unrelenting passion, authenticity, and an insistence on operational excellence. Her compassionate heart leads her, and her sharp business acumen transforms sound ideas into impactful results. With 30 years of experience in finance and management consulting--including non-profit consulting--she is a trusted voice in decision-making, forging strategic partnerships, and navigating the legal and operational realities of leading a nonprofit organization.
Raised in East San Jose, CA, Serena overcame difficult circumstances, guided by her single mother's challenge to be strong, work hard, and rise above the limitations around her. As the granddaughter of an immigrant from Mexico and the daughter of one of ten girls, she relates deeply to the children she serves today. The struggles of low-income families and first-generation students mirror many of the obstacles she herself faced growing up, giving her an authentic connection to the Foundation's mission.
Having seen firsthand the effects of sexual abuse, PTSD, drug abuse, and depression--including her own father's homelessness after combat duty in the Vietnam War--Serena understands the lasting impact of trauma on individuals and families. These experiences have shaped her empathy for others and her lifelong commitment to community service. For over 14 years, she has been dedicated to volunteer work with the unhoused, the homeless, and underserved children--work that laid the foundation for the Muindi Foundation's mission of empowering students through education, mentorship, and opportunity.
Professionally, Serena's career spans more than two decades in California's community college system. Her first role was with Foothill-De Anza Community College District in 1993, followed by finance leadership positions at San Jose Evergreen Community College District and Contra Costa Community College District, where she served as Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services. After retiring from the system, she continued to contribute through long-term consulting contracts, including Cabrillo Community College and the City of Mountain View, focusing on accounting and finance. She also provided nonprofit consulting for UnityCare before co-founding the Muindi Foundation, where she channeled her expertise into building an organization of her own.
Beyond her professional and community work, Serena has a deep appreciation for the arts. She believes art in all its forms fosters creativity, analytical thinking, and resilience--especially for children who have experienced trauma. This passion is reflected in her love of classical music, opera, theater, spoken word, art shows, galleries, and open studios. She also values organic farming and caring for the earth, reflecting her broader commitment to sustainability and community well-being.
Serena holds a BS in Accounting and an MBA in Finance from the University of Phoenix, both earned while working full-time and raising her daughter.
She and her husband, Tim, are proud of their daughter, now an attorney living and working in Los Angeles. When she isn’t working, Serena enjoys golf, spa days, musical theatre, hosting gatherings, and traveling--especially to Kenya to spend time with family and friends.
She can be reached at serena@muindifoundation.org.
