Maria Manetti Shrem

Born in Florence, Italy, Maria Manetti Shrem relocated to San Francisco, California, in 1972, where she played a pivotal role in the internationalization of iconic fashion brands such as Gucci and Fendi. Together with her late husband, Jan Shrem, and since his passing in 2024, Maria has supported more than 60 charitable programs across the US, Italy, France, Mexico, Africa, and the UK, contributing to more than 45 foundations. Their philanthropy spans education, music, art, and medicine, creating meaningful social impact worldwide. In the US, in addition to Cal Performances, the Manetti Shrems have supported institutions such as the Metropolitan Opera, UC Davis, the San Francisco Opera, Festival Napa Valley, KQED, Francisco Park, the San Francisco Symphony, SF Film, SF MoMA, ArtSmart, KDFC, and hospitals like UCSF and Sutter Health–CPMC. In Europe, Maria has been a principal benefactor for organizations including the King’s Foundation, the Royal Drawing School, Palazzo Strozzi Foundation, Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Friends of the Louvre, Friends of Versailles, the Venetian Heritage, the Italian National Trust, Museo 900, and the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, with which she helped construct four new schools, including one at the Meyer Children’s Hospital. Additionally, the Manetti Shrems were founders of the Cabo Jewish Center, and co-founders of the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art at UC Davis, which opened in 2016. Maria also funded a scholarship in Africa through the Global Sojourns Giving Circle, empowering the next generation of women leaders. In 2019, Italian President Sergio Mattarella awarded Maria the Grand Officer of the Order of the Star of Italy. In 2022, the Mayor of Florence presented her with the Keys of the City for her exemplary patronage, and in 2024, Maria received the 2024 Premio StellaRe from Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo in Torino, Italy. Maria has also received numerous awards specific to her work in Northern California. In 2002, the City and County of San Francisco proclaimed June 22 “Manetti Shrem Day for Philanthropy.” Maria’s accolades also include the inaugural Angels of the Arts Award from Festival Napa Valley, The Spirit of the Opera Award from San Francisco Opera, the 2023 UC Davis Medal, and the 2025 Ellis Island Medal. In 2024, UC Berkeley recognized Maria and Jan as “Builders of Berkeley.” SF Opera Guild celebrated her as the person of the year 2025 with An Evening on the Stage, honoring her with The Crescendo Award. Maria Manetti Shrem continues to lead with vision and generosity, shaping the cultural landscape and enriching lives across the globe.