Rafael Magana
Year you became part of the HSH community: 2021
Current occupation: Advancement Officer - Major & Planned Giving
Areas of expertise: Major Gifts & Planned Giving, Board Strategy & Governance, Nonprofit Finance, Legal Compliance for Nonprofits
Why is service on a Board important to you?
Board service is important to me because it’s an opportunity to bring real-world experience in finance, governance, and nonprofit legal strategy to a cause I care about. I believe that strong boards help great missions thrive. It’s a way of giving back—offering not just time, but expertise to help strengthen and sustain the work of an organization for the long term. I’m passionate about bringing both heart and structure to the table, supporting leadership teams, and helping create spaces where missions can grow and endure.
What drew you to HSH?
What first drew me to Hollywood Schoolhouse was the incredible sense of community and the leadership at the time under John Sonego, Associate Dean of External Affairs at USC and UCLA, and Ilise Faye. It’s rare to find a place so deeply committed to academic excellence while equally nurturing compassion, creativity, and leadership in every student. As someone who believes strongly in investing in the next generation, I felt an immediate connection to HSH’s mission and values. One where education, kindness, and service are truly celebrated.
Rafael serves as the Major Gift Officer – West Coast at Our Rescue, leading fundraising efforts across California, Oregon, and Washington to support rescue missions, survivor care, and programs combating human trafficking and child exploitation. He holds specialized training in human rights from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and certifications in human trafficking prevention from the University of Michigan, FEMA, and other agencies.
With nearly two decades of nonprofit experience, he has contributed to significant fundraising initiatives. Rafael is a Veritas Scholar through the Major Gift Academy and earned his Major Gifts Certification from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. He began his planned giving work in 2014 and is on track to complete his Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (CSPG) designation later this year.
The Magaña-Bernard Donor Advised Fund, established by Rafael and his wife Kimberly Bernard, has contributed funding to numerous philanthropic organizations supporting missions focused on public health, education, the environment, the arts, animal welfare, and scholarships. Rafael and Kimberly have also served as board members on a number of nonprofit boards and giving funds.
Outside of work, Rafael has authored over 300 articles on fundraising, nonprofit leadership, and human rights. He lives near Santa Monica, California, with Kimberly and their mini poodle, Archie. Together, they enjoy horseback riding and camping each year.