Public & Non-Profit in Berkeley, CA

Friends of Nigeria, based in Berkeley, California, is an alumni community rooted in the Peace Corps experience and dedicated to maintaining meaningful connections with Nigeria. Founded in 1996, the organization brings together former Peace Corps Volunteers and staff who served in Nigeria, along with members of the Nigerian diaspora and others passionate about supporting Nigerian communities. With approximately 1,200 living members, the organization has cultivated a vibrant network that extends far beyond traditional fundraising—it serves as a gathering place where members reconnect through annual meetings, quarterly newsletters, Zoom reunions of training cohorts, and a comprehensive website featuring stories, photos, and articles about Nigeria. What distinguishes Friends of Nigeria is its deep commitment to grassroots partnership and local empowerment. Rather than imposing external solutions, the organization funds projects that emerge from community priorities and rely on local decision-making. This philosophy has guided the distribution of over $458,000 in grants since 1996, with particular emphasis on health education and maternal health initiatives that reflect the evolving needs of Nigerian communities. The organization's work extends to maintaining a database of members, publishing occasional directories, and hosting connections that keep the Peace Corps community engaged with Nigeria long after service ends. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and affiliate member of the National Peace Corps Association, Friends of Nigeria represents a unique blend of personal relationships, shared values, and sustained commitment to international development.

Since 2014, BlackFemaleProject has been creating intentional community spaces in Berkeley, CA where Black women's voices are uplifted, experiences are affirmed, and collective wisdom is shared. Founded on the belief that by studying how Black women have navigated and thrived despite structural barriers, we can empower the next generation to achieve their self-defined success, this organization has grown into a vital resource for professional and personal well-being. BlackFemaleProject operates from a deep commitment to centering Black women in conversations about workplace culture and inclusion, recognizing that these spaces are rare and necessary. Through member spotlights, community events, story collections, podcasts, and wellness initiatives, the organization has built a supportive network where Black women can connect authentically without judgment, share their professional journeys, and learn from one another's experiences. The organization's work goes beyond documentation—it's about healing, validation, and transformation. Members describe finding comfort in knowing they're not alone, gaining tools for professional and personal evolution, and discovering the strength that comes from being part of a community that truly understands the unique challenges and triumphs of Black women in the workplace. BlackFemaleProject's vision extends across California and nationally, creating a world where Black women are celebrated as their full selves, free from negative consequences, and supported in their pursuit of meaningful success.

United for Iran, headquartered in Berkeley, California, is a mission-driven nonprofit organization founded on the belief that defending human rights is a collective responsibility shared by people everywhere. The organization envisions a transformed Iran—one where every citizen's liberties and rights are honored, where ordinary people are empowered to participate meaningfully in public affairs, and where society is vibrant, open, and democratic. Operating from the San Francisco Bay Area, United for Iran brings together advocates, technologists, and community members who recognize that sustainable change emerges from within communities themselves. Rather than imposing external solutions, the organization partners with Iranian civil society to build local capacity, strengthen networks, and create the conditions for organic democratic growth. United for Iran's work is grounded in the conviction that everyone has a role to play in advancing human rights, whether through direct advocacy, technological innovation, or community support. The organization serves as a bridge between the Iranian diaspora and civil society organizations working on the ground, facilitating knowledge-sharing and resource allocation that amplifies local efforts. By combining human rights expertise with technological capability, United for Iran demonstrates that meaningful progress is possible when communities are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to advocate for their own futures.