Yafonne Chen

Yafonne Chen is a seasoned professional in the nonprofit sector, currently serving as the Senior Director of Grants and Foundations at the Wexner Center for the Arts since October 2024. As the Principal and Founder of Y Chen & Associates since January 2017, Yafonne has developed mission-driven programs and funding portfolios, achieving a remarkable 80% to 90% success rate in grant applications. Previous roles include serving as the Foundations & Government Relations Officer at SFJAZZ and Institutional Giving Manager at The Health Trust, where Yafonne secured over $15 million in health and social services funding. Notable accomplishments also include cultivating high-profile funders at Montalvo Arts Center and executive leadership at SF World Music, where Yafonne raised over $1.5 million for various projects. Yafonne Chen holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature with Honors in Humanities from Stanford University and furthered education at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.