Autumn McDonald has more than two decades of experience working with foundations, nonprofits, and government agencies on strategy, advocacy, and civic innovation. She is currently senior fellow & head of New America CA, where her work focuses on issues of economic equity, community engagement, resident voice, policy influence, and narrative change. McDonald’s writing has been published by outlets including Slate, Stanford Social Innovation Review, Project Syndicate, Pacific Standard, CalMatters, and Britannica Parents.
Before joining New America, McDonald served as a senior advisor to San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee. During her tenure, McDonald led the women’s economic empowerment agenda, shaping policies and public-private initiatives to improve opportunities for women and families throughout the Bay Area. McDonald has a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University, a master’s from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a master’s from the Northwestern University School of Education and Social Policy.