Accomplished social impact strategist and philanthropic leader joins FLY to expand donor partnerships and strengthen programs empowering justice-impacted youth
SAN FRANCISCO – Fresh Lifelines for Youth (FLY), a leading nonprofit dedicated to supporting justice-impacted youth and their families, is pleased to announce the appointment of Laksmi Lagares as Vice President of Development. Laksmi brings over two decades of cross-sector leadership in philanthropy, government, and private enterprise and joins FLY with a deep commitment to the organization’s mission to empower young people to rewrite their stories.
In her new role, Laksmi will lead FLY’s development strategy, expand donor and foundation partnerships, and strengthen the organization’s capacity to provide mentorship, legal education, and leadership opportunities to youth across California. She joins FLY with a track record of mobilizing resources, building strategic partnerships, and advancing transformative community impact at scale.
“Laksmi’s experience, vision, and passion for empowering communities make her an exceptional addition to the FLY team,” said Artavia Berry, President and CEO of FLY. “She understands the power of connecting philanthropy, government, and the private sector to create lasting impact, and she shares our commitment to ensuring every young person has the guidance and opportunity they deserve to thrive.”
Laksmi Lagares is a nationally recognized social impact strategist with experience securing multimillion-dollar investments in community development, leading philanthropic initiatives, and building cross-sector networks that advance economic opportunity and equity. Prior to joining FLY, she played a key role in securing more than $117 million in state funding through California’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP), supporting projects that integrate affordable housing, workforce access, health services, and sustainable transportation.
She has also been internationally recognized for her leadership within the World Economic Forum ecosystem. As the Founding Curator of the Oakland Hub of the Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, she built a globally connected platform that brought together emerging leaders from business, government, and civil society to advance dialogue and action around economic inclusion, youth leadership, and community innovation.
“I am thrilled to join FLY at such a pivotal moment,” said Laksmi Lagares. “This organization’s commitment to young people, second chances, and community transformation aligns perfectly with my belief in the power of opportunity, mentorship, and partnerships to create lasting change. I look forward to working with our donors, partners, and the incredible FLY team to expand impact and help even more youth thrive.”
In addition to her work at FLY, Laksmi explores the evolving role of philanthropy in a rapidly changing world, including how emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and new economic paradigms can expand opportunity and impact. Her insights highlight how strategic, data-informed approaches to giving can position philanthropy as a catalyst for systemic, long-term social change.
About Fresh Lifelines for Youth (FLY)
FLY is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering justice-impacted youth and their families through mentorship, legal education, and leadership development programs. Since its founding, FLY has provided guidance, advocacy, and opportunity to over 50,000 young people in California, helping them navigate the justice system and build pathways to success.
Media Contact
Tracy Genica
tracy@flyprogram.org
