John

John Joanino is Senior Manager of Innovation & Impact at Emerson Collective, where he drives initiatives at the intersection of technology, governance, and social change. His portfolio focuses on protecting youth in the digital age, shifting narratives, and advancing state-level policy by leveraging strategic partnerships to translate bold ideas into measurable impact.

Prior to Emerson Collective, John was part of the Responsible Technology and Reimagining Capitalism teams at Omidyar Network, supporting early-stage investments and policy campaigns to build a more equitable data economy and strengthen worker power. He also served as Interim Chief of Staff for Programs, helping shape organizational strategy and portfolio operations. John has a decade of working at the intersection of civil rights, government innovation, and digital organizing, with a focus on advancing a more inclusive democracy. He led digital strategy at Advancement Project California, harnessing technology to advance racial equity, and served as a commissioner on California’s 2020 Census Commission, helping mobilize millions in historically undercounted communities through one of the largest civic data efforts in the country. John began his career at the forefront of crowdfunding and participatory grantmaking, helping launch large-scale philanthropic challenges and global campaigns alongside cultural influencers and celebrities.

He holds a Master in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School, with a concentration in Business and Government and a certificate in Management, Leadership, and Decision Sciences, where he focused on youth development and the role of philanthropy in systems change. He earned his B.A. in Sociology from UCLA, where he served as student body president. A certified yoga instructor, John brings a human-centered approach to innovation— combining strategic rigor with empathy, presence, and a long-term commitment to inclusive impact.