Kafi D. Blumenfield is a philanthropic and social justice change-maker. Kafi’s inclusive vision of the world allows her to build bridges, inspire transformative change, and ensure that equity is at the heart of her leadership and impact. Whether as the founding Executive Director of Discovery Cube LA or President/CEO of the Liberty Hill Foundation or Deputy Director of Neighbor to Neighbor, Kafi has mentored dozens of change agents from diverse backgrounds and collaborated with them to erect systems and create programs that expand opportunity and build more equitable communities. She believes that one test of leadership is the ability to foster and uplift the leadership of those around her in order to drive lasting change.
In 2020 Kafi founded Alisyo, a leadership development organization. Alisyo supports change making leaders and amplifies their impact by providing social-emotional and wellness-based skills.
In her personal and professional philanthropy, Kafi is most proud of her efforts to support multi-racial coalitions advancing inclusive agendas for social, political and economic prosperity. Over the last decade, she has led fundraising efforts that resulted in millions of dollars for organizations serving the needs of Angelenos.
Kafi is the Chair of the James Irvine Foundation. She also serves as a board member of Tides, the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, and Self Help Federal Credit Union. She is an advisory board member of River LA, and Pomona College’s Draper Center, and an appointee on the Los Angeles County Women and Girls Initiative. Kafi is also a founding member of Susan’s Circle, a giving circle, dedicated to helping community leaders reach their potential. In addition, she has served as a Luskin School Senior Fellow since 2015.
Kafi’s work has been recognized by organizations such as LAANE, the National Women’s Political Caucus LA Westside, National Council of Negro Women, and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. She holds a law degree from UCLA and a B.A. from Pomona College. She and her husband live in Woodland Hills with their two children.