Some people leave a brief mark on an organization through a single act of kindness or generosity. Others use their resources and dedication over decades to profoundly shape its future. 

For more than 25 years, Lisa Sobrato Sonsini has been one of those people for Pivotal. Through her leadership, generosity, relationships, and unwavering belief in young people from foster care, Lisa has helped open doors and strengthen Pivotal for generations of scholars. 

This enduring impact is why we are thrilled to honor Lisa as the 2026 recipient of Pivotal’s Elise Cutini Hope & Opportunity (ECHO) Award. 

The ECHO Award recognizes members of the Pivotal community whose commitment has created lasting hope and opportunity for young people in and from foster care. Pivotal CEO Matt Bell had the honor of presenting Lisa with this year’s award, joined by the award’s namesake and former Pivotal CEO, Elise Cutini. 

Cutini Quote

More Than 25 Years of Impact 

Lisa’s history with Pivotal stretches back decades. She served on Pivotal’s Board of Directors for more than 25 years, providing sustained leadership as our organization and programs evolved to meet the changing needs of young people from foster care. Throughout that time, she consistently kept young people at the center of her involvement and used her relationships to connect Pivotal and our scholars with new opportunities.  

Her impact has extended far beyond board service. Lisa and her husband, Matthew, have generously sponsored Pivotal events, including The Language of Flowers and our 35th Anniversary celebration. Lisa also became an inaugural member of Pivotal’s Legacy Society, helping ensure that future generations of young people will continue to have access to the support they need to pursue their goals.  

Matt and Lisa Quote

Lisa’s influence can also be seen in the individual relationships she has built over the years. At Pivotal’s 35th Anniversary celebration, Lisa introduced our community to Pivotal alum Rita, whom Lisa supported as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) while Rita was in foster care. Lisa was one of the first people to encourage Rita to envision college and a future beyond the circumstances she was navigating. 

Rita Quote (1)

With Lisa’s encouragement and support from a Pivotal scholarship, Rita attended community college before transferring to San Jose State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Justice Studies. Today, she serves as a Program Manager for the County of Santa Clara. Her story reflects what can happen when a young person has someone in their corner who sees their potential and helps create pathways to opportunity. 

Where Hope Becomes Opportunity 

Over the last two decades, Lisa and Matthew Sonsini have given more than any other individual Pivotal donor while Lisa’s advocacy and relationships have helped raise millions more in support of our mission. Yet the impact of her commitment cannot be measured by dollars alone. It can be seen in the scholars who have been encouraged to imagine new possibilities and the organization she has helped strengthen over more than two decades. 

Congratulations, Lisa, and thank you for believing in Pivotal, investing in our young people, and helping them build the futures they deserve. You will always be part of the Pivotal family and your continued support and partnership will continue to give young people from foster care the grace, hope, and confidence to succeed in school, work, and life.