Mindy Z. Longo ('01 Marketing)

Mindy Z. Longo 2024 Distinguished Achievement Award

Portrait of Mindy Longo.2024 Distinguished Achievement Award

Mindy Longo is a dedicated philanthropist with a profound commitment to nonprofit work. As the co-founder of IMPACT Diablo Valley, a nonprofit organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area, she channels her passion into providing transformational grants to small, local nonprofits. These grants support new strategic projects, major capital expenditures, and the expansion of programming into underserved populations. Motivated by a sense of responsibility and as a working mom, she structured this organization to teach children within her community about the importance of giving back.

Mindy's journey in the nonprofit sector began when she transitioned from a successful 13+ year career in marketing and brand strategy. Her professional background includes roles at renowned companies such as Accenture, AstraZeneca, and Abbott Medical Devices, where she held various jobs and leadership positions in brand strategy.

Inspired by her own experience of motherhood and driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, Mindy co-founded IMPACT Diablo Valley over six years ago. Under Mindy's leadership, IMPACT Diablo Valley has contributed over $730,000 to local nonprofits, enabling them to enhance their capacity to support those in need. The organization has awarded substantial grants, with the highest grant reaching $100,000, benefiting more than 15 local nonprofits.

These grants have funded diverse initiatives, from the complete renovation of a foster home to the establishment of a school pantry program that now feeds over 1,000 students and their families weekly. Other supported projects include free mental health services for young kids and teens facing trauma, new literacy programs for English language learners in kindergarten through third grade, and more.

Mindy's commitment extends beyond IMPACT Diablo Valley, as she continues to serve as a leader in other service organizations, including National Charity League, Child Abuse Prevention Council of Contra Costa County, and Teen Esteem+.

Mindy holds a B.S. in Marketing from Smeal College of Business and held several leadership positions at Penn State, including Overall Marketing Chair for THON in 2000.