Catalyst Mobility Media Contact: Jennifer Smith, jsmith@catalystmobility.org, (626) 744-5645  

PASADENA, CA — Today, Catalyst Mobility™, formerly CALSTART, a global clean transportation nonprofit, announces the appointment of Mari Eva Mendes as its Head of Philanthropy and Private Funding, effective August 17, 2026. Mendes will plan and build equitable and sustainable fundraising pipelines that meet the organization’s mission and strategic vision for the future.    

“Catalyst Mobility has the ideas, talent, and momentum that funders are looking for,” said Catalyst Mobility President and CEO Michael Berube. “Mari Eva is passionate about helping organizations clearly communicate their work with confidence and purpose. She is excited about building on Catalyst Mobility’s momentum by identifying new funding opportunities and deepening relationships with institutional funders that help advance our mission of Building Clean Transportation Together™.”  

Mari Eva Mendes, Head of Philanthropy and Private Funding, Catalyst Mobility

Mendes has over 20 years of expertise across 6 countries in institutional giving, prospect development, donor stewardship, communications, and organizational capacity-building. She is proud to have supported the growth of multi-million-dollar portfolios at leading advocacy and grassroots organizations, including Girls for Gender Equity, LEAP, Harlem United, and the National Resources Defense Council, where she increased institutional and philanthropic giving and built the infrastructure needed for sustainable fundraising.  

“What I’ve learned is that, while fundraising is measured in dollars, it is really about people: building trust, connecting resources to big ideas, and creating partnerships that help solutions move further and faster,” said Mendes. 

Visit the Catalyst Mobility website to learn more about our programs and initiatives and email Mari Eva today to get involved in Catalyst Mobility’s fundraising efforts.

About Catalyst Mobility   

Catalyst Mobility, formed through the combination of CALSTART and Forth, is a global nonprofit advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation for people and goods. We bring together industry, government, and communities to overcome barriers, accelerate innovation, shape policy, and move proven solutions into widespread use — delivering cleaner air, reducing climate pollution, and expanding economic opportunity. Learn more at catalystmobility.org.