(pronouns: she/her/hers)
 

Esabella (Bella) Bonner is a Santa Cruz-based entrepreneur, visionary, and award-winning changemaker who has redefined what it means to build community through inclusivity, equity, and joyful resistance. In 2020, Bella organized one of Santa Cruz County’s largest protests, with over 5,000 people in attendance. The event centered on Black/ BIPOC voices and allowed a space for the broader community to learn and listen. She went on to organize various paddle outs in support of Black Lives Matter, and the powerful experience led her to establish Black Surf Santa Cruz (BSSC). The organization is dedicated to fostering healing and wellness through surfing, ocean play, and connection. Under her leadership, BSSC has thrived, earning widespread acclaim, including being recognized as Best Nonprofit at the 2023 NEXTies Awards and the 2023 Santa Cruz Waves Swellies Awards. Bella’s numerous personal accolades include being honored with the Bell of Freedom Award by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Favorite Changemaker/Activist Award by the Swellies in 2022 and 2023.

 

In 2024, Bella continued her impactful work, delivering a dynamic talk at the TEDxSantaCruz: Rising Together event which shared her insights on activism, community, and resilience. She currently serves as a strategic equity advisor for various organizations, consistently championing anti-racist values with a focus on honesty and joy.