Wendy has played an integral role in the life of the Parsons Foundation, assuming the title of President and CEO in 2008 after working for the Foundation in increasing levels of responsibility for more than twenty years. She was a founding staff member of the children’s nonprofit Crystal Stairs and headed the Los Angeles Child Care and Development Council. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois and has a master’s in urban planning from UCLA. She was on the Harvard Kennedy School Women’s Leadership Board and joined delegations visiting South Africa and Egypt. She has been on the board of Southern California Grantmakers and the Broad Stage and is a member of the Philanthropy Leadership Group, The Trusteeship and serves on the California advisory board of the Milken Institute. She was a Senior Fellow at the School of Public Policy at UCLA in 2004. Wendy is frequently a speaker and panelist at local and national meetings for philanthropy.
Wendy Garen on KCRW
More from KCRW
Animals and humans will be both be able to commute in 2026
NewsThe southbound 101 freeway in Agoura Hills will be closed nightly for the next few weeks — as Caltrans continues building a massive wildlife bridge.
Trump takes no stakes-stance on abortion
PoliticsIs there anything about Trump’s abortion position for Joe Biden to capitalize on? Will Biden’s change of tune on Israel win him more supporters?
Bonus Listen: Kendrick Lamar and the big samples (from “Switched on Pop”)
ArtsLost Notes returns with a brand new episode next Wednesday. To tide you over, we’re featuring a deep dive into Kendrick Lamar’s 2022 album Mr.
Kiefer Sutherland, Jovan Adepo, and Scott Simon on The Treat
ArtsKiefer Sutherland on Jack Bauer and William Friedkin, Jovan Adepo on “3 Body Problem,” NPR’s Scott Simon on The Treat.
‘Quiet on Set’ filmmakers Mary Robertson and Emma Schwartz; Congress vs. Spulu
EntertainmentKim Masters and Matt Belloni take a look at Jeff Skoll’s decision to close Participant Media after 20 years.
What to do when climate change feels unstoppable (from “TED Climate”) - Bonus episode
EnvironmentThis is an episode of TED Climate we think you’d enjoy, a podcast from the TED Audio Collective, which is back for a new season.
LA reduces LAPD homeless response – now what about housing?
HomelessnessThe City of LA operates an alternative to policing that’s geared towards unhoused Angelenos. The aims: Cut LAPD involvement and find permanent homes for more people.
I’m Gen X. Why are young people trying to date me?!
Health & WellnessIs monogamy or my sexual fantasy the problem? How common is a sexless marriage? I’m Gen X, why are young people trying to date me?
‘The Plant Doctor’ gives advice on propagating ferns, begonias, and more
NewsHilton Carter, a.k.a. The Plant Doctor, is out with “The Propagation Handbook.” He shares his tips on how to propagate plants such as pothos, ficus, succulents, and more.