Shari P. Wooldridge brings her diverse experience in operations management, social enterprise, strategic planning, and business development to her role as Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco. The St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco was established in 1860 on a simple principle: assist those who need help the most. The organization bolsters 120 dedicated men and women, all working together to improve the lives of over 1,000 homeless people in San Francisco every day. As the second woman and the first African American to hold this post, she is responsible for a budget of $14m and oversees the operations of four locations.

Her management and empowering skills have built strong relationships and efficient teams within the organization.  She holds a BA from San Francisco State University, a Certificate in Business Administration from University of Berkeley Extension, and is currently finalizing her Project Management Certification. Shari has decades of experience in both the retail corporate and non-profit sectors.  She developed her deep understanding of the business structure and governance of non-profits through her work as Director of Social Enterprise with SVDP Alameda County, where she oversaw operations in retail, business, and transportation.  This was after over a decade in retail purchasing and self-employment as business owner.

Shari believes in balancing business with community work and has also been active in the local nonprofit community through her work with esteemed organizations, such as the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, where she is a twelve-year board member. She is currently the 2nd Vice President on the Board where she is responsible for the Budget and Finance operations of the local chapter as well as key grant writer for the Fund Development Committee.  This past January, Shari supported the NCBW National Board Biennial Conference by presenting a seminar on Fundraising and Fund Development to National’s over 40 mentoring group.  She recently did a similar presentation to a local community nonprofit looking to improve their fundraising efforts.