Pilar Buelna is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience driving transformative change across nonprofit and corporate sectors. Her career has been defined by a commitment to building and strengthening systems that amplify the impact of social service programs serving underserved and underrepresented communities.

Before joining the HoFoCo, Pilar served as a Senior Manager at Snap Inc., the technology company behind Snapchat. In that role, she led a team of global Council facilitators. Council is a practice of storytelling and listening that builds a culture of inclusion, connection, and collaboration across the organization worldwide.

Pilar’s roots are deeply grounded in the nonprofit sector. Before joining Snap Inc., she led the Social Services and Development departments at The Salvation Army’s Southern California Division, where she successfully expanded programs and services by 50%. Her work centered on programs in early childhood development, community and youth services, in-patient substance abuse rehabilitation, and transitional and permanent supportive housing for unhoused veterans, families, and individuals. Earlier in her career, Pilar focused on parent engagement through education-focused nonprofits and was the founding board chair of Equitas Academy Charter School, located in the Pico Union neighborhood where she grew up.

Pilar’s civic engagement includes serving on Los Angeles city commissions, education boards, and university advisory committees. She began her professional journey as a children’s and medical social worker and remains committed to direct service and systemic change.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from California State University Northridge, and a Master’s in Social Work from San Diego State University and is a licensed therapist. Pilar lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughters.