Gabriela Sandoval, Ph.D.

Deputy Director

Dr. Gabriela Sandoval is a nonprofit leader, researcher, and advocate with over two decades of experience advancing economic, racial, and social justice. She brings to TURN a distinctive combination of rigorous policy expertise, equity-centered strategic leadership, and a lifelong commitment to ensuring that all communities — especially those who have been historically underserved — have access to safe, affordable, and reliable utilities.

Gabriela joined TURN as Deputy Director after serving in multiple leadership roles at the organization, most recently as Director of Race & Equity Policy, where she expanded institutional funding, and led successful campaigns that strengthened consumer protections for California utility customers. Prior to returning to TURN, she served as Executive Director of the Excessive Wealth Disorder Institute, where she built a new nonprofit from the ground up, developing its systems, team, and funding base. Earlier in her career, she directed research and policy at the Insight Center for Community Economic Development, where she focused primarily on the Closing the Racial Wealth Gap Initiative and convened influential networks of researchers, advocates, and policymakers.

A skilled facilitator, coalition-builder, and communicator, Gabriela excels at connecting across diverse communities and translating complex policy challenges into actionable strategies. She has built a career at the intersection of consumer advocacy, equity policy, and organizational development.

Gabriela holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and a Master's Degree in City and Regional Planning from Cornell University, and a B.A. from the University of California, San Diego.