Sharon Binkley Straus brings a wealth of leadership experience and commitment to community service to the Foundation to Advance Vascular Cures. As the President of the Binkley Foundation, Sharon provides mentorship and support to youth from underserved communities, and dedicates her time to ensuring that these youth become future leaders who advance equity. As part of this work, Sharon supports internships for young adults interested in entering the medical field and she has played an instrumental role in the success of the Foundation’s internship program. In her previous role as Program Director of Bridge the Gap College Prep in Marin City, California, Sharon led the organization’s efforts to improve educational outcomes for minoritized youth, overseeing programs that range from health education to college preparation. Her background as an educator, from elementary school classrooms to college prep initiatives, is augmented by a history of volunteering and leadership in various local organizations and schools. Her enthusiasm for fostering personal and academic growth is matched by her passion for making a positive, lasting impact on the communities she serves.

With a rich academic foundation from Stanford University and San Jose State University, she combines practical experience with a strong understanding of educational psychology. Inspired by the pioneering work of her father, Dr. Frederick M. Binkley, a renowned vascular surgeon and co-founder of UCSF's vascular surgery department, Sharon has a deep personal connection to the Foundation’s mission. She is committed to advancing medical research and education, drawing from her family’s legacy of service in both medicine and community advocacy.