Marisa Arrona

About Marisa Arrona

I am an equity-centered program strategist who works at the intersection of criminal legal system reform, community well-being, and narrative leadership. As a first-generation college graduate and bilingual daughter of immigrants, my own journey through higher education and public systems fuels my commitment to building structures where people who are most impacted are not only heard but shaping the solutions.For two decades I have led community-informed strategies across government, philanthropy, advocacy, and research environments. My work spans municipal systems in New Orleans, statewide justice reform in California and Illinois, multi-state learning communities, and collaborations with institutions like Stanford Impact Labs and Arizona State University. Across every role, my focus has been the same: translate community insight and credible data into policy, programs, and philanthropic investment that advance safety, dignity, and opportunity. A few anchors in my work• Narrative and learning strategy: From co-designing Stanford’s Evidence for Change fellowship to facilitating Shared Safety campaigns in California, I help leaders connect stories, data, and strategy in ways that shift mindsets and drive implementation.• Cross-sector collaboration: I have convened coalitions of city and county agencies, funders, survivors, researchers, and youth to co-create practical solutions in violence reduction, reentry, and community well-being.• Equity-centered program design: Whether building dashboards, writing guidance, or facilitating dialogues, I focus on learning systems that center those most affected and move organizations from intention to measurable action.My career reflects a belief that meaningful change happens when communities have real power, systems are accountable to impact, and narratives evolve to reflect truth and possibility. As I step into my next chapter in Louisiana, I remain committed to strengthening ecosystems that advance justice, belonging, and long-term resilience. Based in New Orleans. Open to advisory, consulting, and speaking opportunities that tie together narrative strategy, community engagement, and systems reform.

Experience

1. Criminal Legal System Reform Program Officer

   Foundation For Louisiana

   Jan 2026 — Present · New Orleans, LA, US

   In this role, I lead community-centered justice reform efforts through the Louisiana Justice Fund, a pooled fund housed at the Foundation for Louisiana. My work focuses on advancing safety, dignity, and pathways to economic mobility by supporting community-led strategies that reduce incarceration, strengthen organizational ecosystems, and shift public narratives about justice and safety.I manage and grow a grants portfolio aligned with LJF’s strategic priorities, partnering closely with grassroots organizations, advocates, and directly impacted leaders across Louisiana. The role blends grantmaking, strategy development, field learning, and coalition-building, with a strong emphasis on narrative change, economic mobility, and infrastructure-building for BIPOC-led organizations. I also represent LJF in state and national funder collaboratives, contribute to thought leadership, and help translate community wisdom into philanthropic strategy and systems-level impact.

Education

• University of San Francisco

  Bachelor’s Degree, Public Administration

• University of California, Berkeley - School of Law

  Doctor of Law (J.D.)

Skills

• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Legislative Relations
• Policy
• Political Campaigns
• Grant Writing
• Public Policy
• Coalitions
• Politics
• Capacity Building
• Community Organizing
• Program Development
• Proposal Writing
• Government
• Nonprofits
• Qualitative Research
• Economic Development
• Fundraising
• Program Evaluation
• Volunteer Management
• Policy Analysis
• Grants