Adrianne Hillman
Founder + Chief Executive Officer
As Founder and CEO of Salt + Light, Adrianne Hillman often says her true role is that of Chief Culture and Vision Officer. From stewarding the heart and culture of the organization to casting vision, building sustainable systems, and ensuring responsible financial management and transparency, Adrianne carries the weight of leadership with deep care for the entire Salt + Light community — staff, volunteers, and neighbors alike.
This work is rooted in values that guide both her leadership and her life: compassion and love, radical hospitality, dignity, and belonging. For Adrianne, coming alongside someone in their journey of healing, restoration, and transformation is sacred work. It has reshaped the way she moves through the world, redefining what truly matters and inspiring her to live with greater presence, purpose, and joy each day.
Adrianne’s journey into this work began more than 14 years ago while serving at a local nonprofit supporting people experiencing homelessness — a season that intersected with her own path of healing and growth. Raised in a small rural town surrounded by corn, alfalfa, and cotton fields, just a mile from her family’s dairy farm, she developed an early appreciation for community, hard work, and the power of showing up for one another. It was through both heartbreak and healing that her passion was ignited — a longing to ensure that every person in her spaces feels deeply seen, known, and loved without reservation.
Outside of her role as CEO, Adrianne finds joy in cooking, singing, dancing, reading, and writing stories and essays. She loves traveling with her family — from the beach to the mountains and everywhere in between — and sharing her gifts through service beyond Salt + Light. This has included teaching shame resilience at San Quentin State Prison and training participants at Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles.
Adrianne’s creativity and generosity are woven throughout Salt + Light’s community life. She has taught cooking classes to neighbors, created the signature sauces served at the World Ag Expo food booth, and is known for bringing food to share with staff. A lover of music, she has participated in Open Mic and worship nights and had the honor of singing at the celebration of life for a beloved neighbor, Pete. She also leads a women’s study with neighbors, a space she describes as extraordinarily rewarding.
Adrianne often says that there is “literally a miracle a day” happening at Salt + Light — and for her, that miracle is rooted in belonging. Born from personal heartbreak and transformed through healing, her leadership is anchored in a deep commitment to building a community where every person is welcomed, valued, and loved — without exception.
Favorite book: The Alchemist
Favorite Hobby: learning complex cooking techniques
Favorite Place to be: anywhere near the ocean or under a Sequoia tree