Evin Knight (she, her, hers)
Director of Operations
As the Director of Operations, Evin oversees a broad spectrum of programs, communications, and administrative functions aimed at elevating transformative research and enhancing the institute’s mission. From strategic planning to problem-solving, Evin contributes to the overall management of institute operations, including program management, budget planning and financial management, event planning, post-award implementation, hiring, and human resources. Evin leads the institute’s experiential learning and scholarship programs, including the Building Belonging and Transforming Futures programs, which prioritize underrepresented students’ success. She supervises a dedicated team of administrative support staff as well as student interns, and collaborates closely with marketing staff on messaging and branding for the institute. Evin’s involvement in various campus committees reflects her commitment to building a cohesive community and she takes pride in prioritizing mentorship and interdepartmental cooperation to ensure organizational success.
Evin has worked for the University of California for nearly 15 years. She started her UC career at UC Berkeley at the Center for Social Sector Leadership, working with MBA students on social impact programs. She then moved to UC Santa Cruz and worked for several years at The Humanities Institute as a program manager and event coordinator before transitioning to the Institute for Social Transformation.
Evin grew up in Maui and is a first generation college graduate with a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University in Business Management. She has a strong interest in sustainability and has taken certification programs in Leadership in Sustainability and Environmental Management at UC Berkeley Extension and is a Master Recycler Volunteer for the City of Santa Cruz. In her free time, Evin enjoys spending time with her family and two children doing outdoor activities like camping, hiking, paddle boarding, and pickleball.
Contact info: 831-459-1266 eck@ucsc.edu
