We’re delighted to announce that Amber Amaru, a philanthropy and venture capital strategist, has joined Digital NEST as our Vice President of Philanthropic Partnerships.
A native of Stockton, Amber has been part of the Digital NEST family for years as an emcee of past NEST events and as a community advocate. In her new role, she will lead Digital NEST’s next chapter of philanthropic scale: designing a multi-year capitalization strategy, unlocking new philanthropic vehicles including endowments and planned giving, and forging high-impact partnerships across Silicon Valley and the greater Bay Area.
Reporting directly to CEO Jacob Martinez, Amber will build the diverse revenue model and strong organizational infrastructure we need to be a lasting presence in Watsonville, Salinas, Gilroy, Modesto, and Stockton.
“Amber has long been part of the NEST family, and I’m thrilled she’s now joining our team. She has built donor partnerships at scale, and she already knows our young people and our communities. She is the right leader for this moment at Digital NEST.”
— Jacob Martinez, CEO, Digital NEST
Amber’s career bridges philanthropy, venture capital, and grassroots organizing. At the Latino Community Foundation, she managed a $1.85 million donor portfolio of more than 450 donors and 50 Giving Circle Leaders, investing in more than 100 Latino-led nonprofits. Most recently, she worked as an independent strategy and communications consultant, supporting organizations in venture capital, collective giving, and community-led philanthropy. She holds a BA from UC Berkeley, an MBA from MIT Sloan, and an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School.
Amber is the daughter of Peruvian immigrants and a first-generation college graduate from California. She brings a deep, personal commitment to expanding opportunity, and a proven record of building the partnerships that make it possible.
“Our communities have never lacked potential, only access and capital. Digital NEST proves that when you equip youth with tech skills, mentorship, and professional networks, entire regions rise. Real economic justice takes more than short-term funding; it demands bold, enduring commitment to homegrown talent. I look forward to working with partners who are ready to build that future with us.”
— Amber Amaru, Vice President of Philanthropic Partnerships, Digital NEST
Please join us in welcoming Amber to the NEST!
