Tamara Alvarado is a program officer at the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, where she leads the Housing Stability portfolio within the California Communities initiative. In this role, she supports efforts across six counties—Santa Clara, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, and Fresno—to advance equitable and sustainable housing solutions that center community voices and address systemic barriers to housing stability.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Tamara held leadership roles in community-based organizations focused on arts, culture, and social justice, where she championed inclusive programming and policy advocacy. She brings a deep commitment to regional equity and more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, civic engagement, and community development.
Tamara earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Literature from Stanford University. She is an active volunteer on nonprofit boards, a traditional Aztec dancer with Calpulli Ocelocihuatl, and a passionate advocate for cultural expression. She enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the Mount Shasta region in Northern California.