Impact Report: Year-End 2020

Genentech | Kristin Campbell Reed, Executive Director, Genentech Foundation

Genentech is one of the Foundation’s newest corporate supporters. Kristin Campbell Reed, executive director of the Genentech Foundation shared the company’s corporate giving philosophy and why they’ve chosen to support SMCCCD students and the Foundation:

Can you share a bit about Genentech’s philanthropy?
“Giving back has been a core element of Genentech’s culture since our founding 45 years ago. Our approach to giving is guided by our vision to improve the health and wellbeing of all patients and create a future of science that is more diverse, inclusive, and equitable. Through charitable contributions, strategic partnerships, and employee volunteerism, we aim to build a more representative scientific and medical workforce, address disparities in healthcare, and tackle critical issues in the communities where we live and work.”

How does SMCCC Foundation reflect Genentech’s values/priorities?
“The Genentech Foundation is committed to creating sustainable career pathways into the scientific and medical fields for communities who have historically lacked access. We recognize the vital role that the San Mateo County Community College District plays in supporting underrepresented groups, particularly low-income students of color — many of whom are first generation college students.

In addition to the efforts of the Genentech Foundation, Genentech believes in investing in the next generation of scientists, innovators, and critical thinkers here at home. Helping current or aspiring community college students in San Mateo County is a natural extension of Futurelab, our STEM education initiative that supports all 9,000 K-12 students in the South San Francisco Unified School District and gets them excited to learn about science, improves their college readiness, and inspires them to pursue careers in STEM fields.”

Why did you want to invest in SMCCCD students? How will your contribution help support academic/professional success?
“Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, up to 50% of local community college students faced food insecurity and 17% experienced homelessness. We know that these numbers have only been exacerbated by the devastating effects of the past year. Efforts like SMCCCF’s emergency fund are crucial to helping students continue in their educational pathways as they provide critical support to meet their nutritional and housing needs. For us, it was imperative to support this type of high impact intervention.” 

In considering your contribution, what are you most proud of (or hopeful about)?
“Community colleges play an integral role not only in California’s postsecondary education ecosystem but in the state’s workforce—particularly in STEM fields and emergency service positions like nurses, police officers, firefighters and EMTs. Providing community college students with the support they need to stay on track is critical for COVID-19 recovery efforts and our state economy. We’re so impressed with the SMCCC Foundation’s commitment to helping students realize their academic and career dreams, and we are very proud to be a partner in their emergency fund with the goal of supporting 1,500 students, including DACA students, to address emerging equity gaps and build resiliency in our communities.”

How do you see the future of your relationship with the Foundation?
“We recognize the critical role the SMCCC Foundation plays in ensuring that students who face multiple barriers to college completion are able to persist and succeed. We look forward to exploring additional opportunities to partner with the Foundation to continue to support these students.”