Please notice the difference between full time staff ratings vs contractors ratings - Anonymous employee SVEF Employee Review

1.0
Jul 13, 2022
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good colleagues who are mission-aligned

Cons

Incredibly toxic leadership. CEO Lisa Andrew berates and shames employees in front of others. Even worse, will make comments about employees about their absence to the entire staff. "Students first" is definitely not on her mind as she chastises employees for being absent from meetings when they are serving the needs of students/teachers/schools. PTO is not respected or an excuse for being absent either. She has a fake "sweet/caring" demeanor when you attempt to confront these issues head on, which is also how she stays in the good graces of board members.

Explore other reviews about SVEF

5.0
May 28, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I think SVEF is a great place to learn and grow. The organization is always trying to improve and welcomes the ideas of all. My coworkers are all passionate and truly about the mission.

Cons

I think as a small nonprofit, we must always be concerned about budget. It is easy to be worked overcapacity and wear many hats.

3.0
Jan 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Well Known in Bay Area Nonprofit Education Ecosystem Network with Great People and Organizations This is a great place for exposure if used properly and politically. If you are good at playing the game a position at this company can set you up to move on with a portfolio that looks good. There is a lot of surface level bonding.

Cons

Stagnant Growth Toxic Trauma Culture If you care about true impact this is not the place to be. There is a lot of talk about the mission to serve black and brown students but once you look at the data that is not the truth. At the time organization does not invest in making curriculum better or making sure really students from the targeted demographics really are supported. There was a lot of micromanaging and not efficiency in systems. Work place fires caused a lot of anxiety among staff being fearful of ridicule.

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