2026 SCI Idealist Celebration

Elsa Gomes Bondlow is a philanthropic strategist, global speaker, and social impact connector committed to building systems where generosity is shared, power is redistributed, and communities most impacted lead the way. As Founder of Ripple Acts, she partners with visionary philanthropists to advance values-aligned, trust-based models of giving that honor culture, dignity, and lived experience. She is also the Founder of the Social Equity Access Fund (SEAF), which has moved nearly $2M to grassroots, immigrant-led, and BIPOC-serving organizations—mobilizing resources quickly and equitably to those doing the most with the least. Elsa’s belief in listening deeply and responding boldly led to the creation of HALO – Healing After Overdose Loss, a first-in-the-nation public-private partnership using opioid settlement funds to stabilize families after a fatal overdose. HALO is now a statewide model for community-rooted healing and recovery. Fluent in Portuguese and French, and shaped by her immigrant journey, Elsa brings a global, culturally-grounded perspective to philanthropy and leadership. Recognized for championing equity and collective action, she works to strengthen belonging and inspire “good trouble” that expands what is possible when communities and philanthropists imagine—and build—a more just future together.