Anna Fontus

Program Officer Anna Fontus oversees a portfolio of grants committed to improving postsecondary career and technical education and work-based learning outcomes for students from underserved backgrounds.

Prior to ECMC Foundation, Anna was a senior program director at Capitol Impact, where she led multi-disciplinary public policy projects and private sector initiatives to address systemic challenges within the education-to-employment ecosystem. To advance economic mobility and educational outcomes, she’s activated legislatures, chambers, think tanks, national companies and educational agencies in implementing transformative practices.

Anna sits on various boards in the social sector that strengthen community-driven approaches to talent development. She was recognized as the 2022 Young Professional of the Year for her work to design and launch a belonging initiative to combat systems of advantage that continue to impact underrepresented communities.

Anna holds a Bachelor of Art in politics and French from Saint Mary’s College of California.

Why are you working at ECMC Foundation and committed to working toward improving higher education for underserved learners?

I work at ECMC Foundation because I believe that postsecondary education is our world’s strongest bridge between people without jobs and jobs without people. As the path to accessing postsecondary education becomes more complicated, I remain energized by the opportunity to support institutions and reform antiquated systems to create an opportunity ecosystem that reflects the diversity of communities, industries and opportunities. This work aligns with my long-standing commitment to systems change. Whether it was launching California’s first Talent Pipeline Management Academy, or advising policy to support underserved and system-impacted communities, I’ve always focused on dismantling barriers and creating access. ECMC Foundation gives me the platform to scale that impact—supporting organizations and initiatives that are reshaping higher education to be more inclusive, responsive and effective for learners who have historically been left behind.