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Colleen Cassity
Vice President, Corporate Citizenship at Oracle
Professional Background
Colleen Cassity is an accomplished leader in corporate citizenship, currently serving as the Vice President of Oracle Corporate Citizenship and Executive Director of the Oracle Education Foundation. With a deep-rooted commitment to enhancing corporate philanthropy and social responsibility, Colleen leads an award-winning team that is dedicated to driving substantial positive change in global society, especially in relation to education, environmental protection, and community development.
At the Oracle Education Foundation, Colleen has been instrumental in promoting innovative educational programs, notably at Design Tech High School (d.tech), a pioneering public charter school established in collaboration with Oracle in 2018. Her work with young people at d.tech embodies her belief in the capability of youth to design a better future. Under her leadership, the foundation has expanded its programs to include prominent schools like Eastside College Prep in East Palo Alto, CA, and the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders in Austin, TX, as well as international outreach in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Mexico.
As part of her comprehensive role, Colleen oversees Oracle's Giving and Volunteering programs, which provide critical resources including financial support, technology, time, and volunteer skills to nonprofit organizations worldwide. Her commitment to transparency and impact is reflected in the Oracle Corporate Citizenship Report, which showcases transformative stories resulting from Oracle's philanthropic efforts.
Colleen’s leadership extends beyond her immediate responsibilities; she was honored as one of the Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business by the San Francisco Business Times in 2019. Moreover, she received the prestigious "Practitioner of the Year" award from the Silicon Valley Community Foundation in 2014, recognizing her exceptional contributions to corporate philanthropy.
Prior to her extensive career at Oracle, which she began in 2000, Colleen was a key player at Juma Ventures, a social enterprise based in San Francisco that significantly improves life prospects for low-income youth, now regarded as a national model in social entrepreneurship. Her professional journey has spanned various key roles in companies and nonprofit organizations, each allowing her to sharpen her skills in development, marketing, and public relations.
Education and Achievements
Colleen Cassity's educational background lays a strong foundation for her impactful career. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Mass Communications from the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, which provided her with a solid grounding in communication strategies, essential for her future endeavors in corporate citizenship and nonprofit leadership.
Furthermore, Colleen pursued advanced studies through various esteemed institutions, including the Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders at Stanford University Graduate School of Business and Executive Education courses at the University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business and IESE Business School. Additionally, she broadened her global perspective by participating in the UC Education Abroad Program at The University of Edinburgh.
These educational experiences not only enriched Colleen’s understanding of nonprofit management and leadership but also enabled her to foster innovative approaches to corporate responsibility and community engagement.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Colleen has been recognized for her tireless dedication to corporate citizenship and community upliftment. In addition to her accolades as one of the Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business and as the Practitioner of the Year, Colleen has played an integral role in developing impactful programs that empower youth and build resilient communities. Her leadership has positioned Oracle as a leader in social responsibility, elevating the company's engagement in nonprofit initiatives across the globe.
Colleen's commitment to environmental stewardship is particularly strong; she advocates passionately for the protection of 30% of the Earth’s biodiversity by 2030, reflecting her belief in the importance of cherishing and safeguarding our planet's natural resources for future generations. Her passion for nature complements her work in education and community service and demonstrates her holistic approach to social impact.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Colleen indulges her personal interests through poetry, providing her with a creative outlet that enhances her thoughtful approach to leadership. An avid nature enthusiast and horseback rider, she finds joy in engaging with the natural world and cherishes time spent outdoors. Furthermore, her interest in aviation enriches her perspective on exploration and adventure, while her appreciation for cinema reflects her understanding of storytelling's power in shaping societal narratives.
Colleen Cassity is not just a leader; she is a visionary dedicated to shaping a better future through education, social justice, and environmental preservation. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, encapsulating the transformative potential of corporate citizenship and the vital role of youth in creating a sustainable future.