Dolores Estrada joined EPIP on April 1, 2026 and is currently the  Chief Operating Officer of EPIP, where she leads the operational infrastructure of a national membership organization committed to cultivating emergent leaders across generations — bold organizers and trusted stewards who shape practice, policy, and culture so that philanthropy works for all communities.  Dolores is a nationally recognized leader in philanthropic operations and grantmaking excellence with over 25 years of experience strengthening foundations and nonprofits. 

Through LA Christopher Consulting (est. 2025), Dolores provides strategic guidance to nonprofits and philanthropic entities throughout Los Angeles County and nationally, addressing critical operational needs in today’s dynamic nonprofit sector.

Dolores brings a strong track record leading national membership associations and philanthropic institutions. As COO of PEAK Grantmaking — the leading membership association for grants management professionals — she directed operations serving 8,000 philanthropy professionals, overseeing membership engagement, communications, and professional development, and co-led strategic planning that empowered grants managers to serve as change agents championing equity in how foundations partner with communities. Earlier, at The California Endowment, one of the state’s largest health foundations, she served as Director of Grant Operations, pioneering online grantmaking systems, managing grantee diversity data collection, and representing the foundation as a subject-matter expert at national conferences.

An author and presenter, Dolores has shaped sector-wide conversations on equitable grantmaking, racial equity in philanthropy, and demographic data collection — contributing to a broader culture shift toward philanthropy that is accountable to and works for all communities. A proud Los Angeles resident, she has served on nonprofit boards and volunteered extensively in her community. She holds a Master’s in Liberal Studies (International Relations) from Georgetown University and a B.A. in History from California State University.