UC Santa Cruz

“It’s really about pursuing your passions and your interests and staying true to [them].” - Shannon Lawder (Kresge ’91, Russian studies)

Lawder’s decision to study Russian at UC Santa Cruz wasn’t driven by a career plan, but by curiosity. Her passion led her to study abroad in St. Petersburg, Leningrad and sparked a deep engagement with Russian language and history at a pivotal moment in global change. Those experiences opened unexpected doors, guiding her into international philanthropy.

Today, she is the Director of the Civil Society Program at the Mott Foundation. Lawder helps support and strengthen community foundations and worldwide organizations. Through decades of grantmaking, she has seen how long-term investment in local leadership can help respond to both everyday needs and moments of crisis.

For Lawder, she always believed in taking risks to build skills that follow where her interests lead. Like a true Banana Slug, she emphasizes staying open to unexpected opportunities and allowing a career to unfold through experience.

For over three decades, El Centro and the Dolores Huerta Research Center have helped launch innovative research, strengthened student learning and development, and invested in the next generation of scholars, leaders, and changemakers.

Together, El Centro: Chicanx Latinx Resource Center, UCSC and Dolores Huerta Research Center for the Americas, UC Santa Cruz foster joy, belonging, critical inquiry, and community for students at UC Santa Cruz. They create opportunities for students that support their holistic growth and success.

UC Santa Cruz is proud to announce a new fundraising initiative to advance the work of these critical spaces: Latiné Futures. ✊🏽

Join us in supporting the next generation of leaders at the link in the comments.