2024-2025 Leadership Fellows

Joana Alfaro, Merced County

Joana  (She/Her) was born in Tijuana, Mexico and migrated to the United States at the age of six. Serving as her family’s interpreter, she became acutely aware of the inequalities immigrant families face, igniting her commitment to addressing systemic barriers. Joana is a Project Manager at Valley Onward, where she leads a team of promotoras focused on empowering underserved communities through civic engagement and disaster preparedness. She played a role in securing $20 million in state funding for flood recovery victims in Merced County, guiding her team in conducting needs assessments to ensure resources effectively reached impacted residents. Joana facilitates the Parent Leadership Training Institute, helping parents become advocates and community leaders. She also completed the Platicas y Cafe project as an internship which focused on engaging community members in dialogues to identify local needs, while earning her Masters in Social Work. Joana is actively involved in the Cultivando Cuadrillas Project, providing vital resources to agricultural workers and their families. She has also established a partnership with the American Red Cross to promote emergency preparedness. As a mother of three and wife of a Purple Heart Veteran, Joana combines her lived experience with professional expertise to advocate for equitable health solutions and community empowerment. Her dedication to fostering resilience and improving lives reflects her belief in the transformative power of community driven change and the importance of equitable access to resources for all. 

Olivia Arnold, Yolo County

Olivia  (She/Her) serves as the Development Director at Yolo County Children’s Alliance (YCCA), where she leads strategic fund development initiatives to strengthen communities and create lasting social impact. With over two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, Olivia has dedicated her career to empowering communities and fostering positive change through collaborative, community-centered approaches.

Her expertise spans fund development, donor stewardship, and strategic planning, with a focus on building meaningful partnerships that advance mission-critical initiatives. Prior to joining YCCA, Olivia held leadership positions at United Way Fresno and Madera Counties, Exceptional Parents Unlimited, and First 5 Fresno County, where she developed sustainable programs and built strong community partnerships to advance organizational missions focused on children and families. 

Throughout her career, she has focused on creating inclusive systems and processes that amplify the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations while ensuring sustainable, long-term success for the communities they serve. 

Guided by core values of equity, access, compassion, and inclusion, Olivia brings a strength-based approach and service leadership mindset to her work. She consistently seeks innovative ways to strengthen communities and improve outcomes for those served by nonprofit organizations, believing that transformative change happens through collaborative, community-driven solutions. 

Ivette Garlet Chaidez Villarreal, Kings County

Ivette  (She/Her) is the Civic Engagement and Communications Program Director at Valley Voices. A dedicated business owner, community organizer, and safe driving advocate, Ivette has been a passionate force for positive change in Kings County. Her journey began when she and her family emigrated from Mexico to the Central Valley in 1991. In 2012, after the tragic loss of her sister, Itzy, she founded *Buckle Up for Itzy*, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of reckless and distracted driving. Through bilingual, evidence-based programs, Ivette has empowered teens, parents, and community members by sharing her sister’s story. 

Ivette’s commitment to community empowerment extends beyond traffic safety. She believes that supporting underserved populations is essential for building happy, healthy, and equitable communities. This belief led her to join Valley Voices, where she now combines her community organizing skills, public speaking experience, and love for social media to provide vital information to the public. Driven by her conviction that politics influences every aspect of life, Ivette has inspired countless people to get involved in local politics, register to vote, and participate in every election since she was just 17 years old. 

Nelya Hryb, Sacramento County

Nelya (She/Her) is the Resource Center Manager at the Folsom Cordova Community Partnership (FCCP), where she brings over 20 years of experience in education and nonprofit social work. With an MA in Education from Ukraine and additional U.S. qualifications, Nelya’s experiences as an immigrant and single mother inspire her commitment to accessible, community-centered resources that reflect the diverse strengths and needs of those she serves. 

A skilled program developer, Nelya supervises staff, coordinates large-scale events from planning through implementation, and has successfully secured essential funding through her expertise in grant writing. Under her leadership, FCCP launched Sacramento’s first COVID-19 community-based testing site, which served up to 500 people daily and established the organization as a trusted public health asset. 

Nelya’s dedication to health equity shines in her work on major statewide initiatives, including the Vaccinate All 58 campaign and the California COVID-19 Health Project, Vaccine Equity Campaign. Her team also launched the Trusted Messenger Project at FCCP, a vital effort to share culturally relevant health information with historically underserved and under-resourced communities.  These initiatives bridge gaps between healthcare providers and community health workers, advancing her vision of an inclusive, responsive public health model. Nelya envisions a unified community where children, youth, and adults can reach their full potential. Her commitment to walking alongside families fosters a healthier, more resilient future for all.

Taylor Intermill, Sacramento County

Taylor  (She/Her) serves as the Associate Director of the Youth & Family Collective at PRO Youth & Families, an organization committed to wellness, youth voice, and collective impact. She is passionate about creating equitable, preventative health programs for youth and strengthening community-based organizations through collaborative capacity building. Taylor places a strong emphasis on inclusion and intersectionality, ensuring that diverse perspectives shape her approach. Working across sectors, she builds partnerships that bridge public health, education, and community organizations to strengthen collective impact. With a Master’s in Public Health focused on Health Policy Leadership, Taylor brings a critical perspective and a solid foundation for engaging diverse groups in meaningful discussions around challenging topics. 

Melinda Johnson, Riverside County

Melinda (She/Her) serves as the Director for Prison In-Reach Programming with Starting Over, Inc., where she prepares incarcerated individuals for successful reintegration into society. Holding a BS in Business, Melinda leverages her expertise to provide critical support and guidance for those navigating the transition from prison to community life. She is also a certified Emotional Wellness Coach and Birthing Doula with the Self Determination Initiative, where she addresses the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of her clients.
As an Essie Sister and member of the Statewide Strategy Team, Melinda is dedicated to ending the harms of mass incarceration on women and communities. She is an alumna of Women Organizing for Justice & Opportunity (WOJO), where she honed her social justice leadership skills, and of the Collective Leadership Institute, where she received advanced training in legislative advocacy and leadership development, and of Mamavist, a program designed to train Black mothers as grassroots organizers and activists. Through these roles, Melinda has cultivated a deep commitment to promoting equity, healing, and empowerment for underserved populations.

Julio Lopez, Fresno County

Julio (He/Him) is a passionate Program Manager at the Youth Leadership Institute, where he leads initiatives aimed at empowering youth in underserved communities. With a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Fresno, Julio has cultivated a strong foundation in community engagement and youth development. 

Growing up in rural communities in San Joaquin, California, Julio was deeply influenced by the challenges and opportunities present in these environments. His experiences instilled in him a commitment to uplift the voices of young people who often go unheard. This personal connection drives his work at the Youth Leadership Institute, where he focuses on prevention and early intervention strategies, particularly in underage alcohol prevention. 

In his role, Julio collaborates with various stakeholders, including schools, community organizations, and families, to create programs that resonate with the unique needs of youth. He believes that by fostering strong relationships and providing resources, young people can develop the skills and confidence necessary to thrive. 

Julio’s dedication to service extends beyond his professional life; he is an active member of his community, volunteering his time to mentor youth and support local initiatives. His ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds allows him to advocate effectively for policies that benefit young people.” 

Vanessa Nutters, Alameda County

Vanessa (She/Her) is the Senior Clinical Services Administrator at Roots Community Health. She has a rich background in health care and education, at the intersections of equity and social justice. Growing up in East Oakland, she developed a passion for serving historically marginalized communities through a lens of compassion, empathy, and framework based in sustainability. Vanessa is committed to advocacy and community organizing to ensure equitable access to health care, resources and opportunities. She is excited to share her experiences and skills in a collaborative environment that lends to shaping the future of public health and furthering equity initiatives. 

Ilhan Omar, San Diego County

Ilhan Omar is a dedicated Program Coordinator at Somali Family Service of San Diego, where she leverages her extensive experience in social work and community engagement. Ilhan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Counseling from San Diego State University, which has equipped her with a broad skill set in leadership and community support. Her commitment to the refugee and immigrant community, as well as other vulnerable populations, extends beyond her professional role, as she actively serves on the boards of various local community and faith-based organizations. Passionate about addressing issues that affect these communities, Ilhan strives to create spaces for meaningful dialogue and advocacy. Her unwavering dedication and diverse expertise enable her to make a significant impact in the community, fostering positive change and empowerment for those she serves.

Carolina Quintero, Alameda County

Carolina (She/Her) serves as the Food Security Program Coordinator at The Unity Council, a nonprofit dedicated to social equity and community vibrancy in Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood since 1964. Leading the Food Security team, Carolina has overseen the distribution of over 200,000 pounds of groceries, supporting 200+ individuals each week, and provided over 30,000 prepared meals to more than 800 unduplicated households (reaching 400 individuals) in the East Bay area. She has developed and implemented curriculum for Healthy Eating Workshops, empowering 150+ individuals to make healthier food choices, and awarded over $50,000 in Food & Wellness grants to those facing food insecurity. Carolina’s commitment to community support earned her the 2023 Impact Award, recognizing her dedication to reducing food insecurity and improving access to nutritious food options. Additionally, she has contributed to public health efforts through her work at pop-up vaccine clinics, helping bring essential services to vulnerable populations.  

Kevin Sunga, San Joaquin County

Kevin (He/Him/Siya) is a first-generation Filipino-American with proud Kapampangan heritage roots. Although born in San Francisco, he considers the Central Valley home, with Stockton as his home community. His identity is enriched by the diverse regions of the Bay Area and Northern California, forming a unique perspective that he brings to his work in public service and healthcare. 

Starting his career at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center, Kevin gained six years of oncology experience, mastering Six Sigma LEAN principles to elevate patient care and advocate for innovative healthcare solutions at several oncologic service lines at UCSF’s Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center. His role as an operational improvement specialist and patient advocate included navigating complex insurance barriers, coordinating and improving care for patients from rural areas, and ensuring patients had clear access to essential health information. 

In 2021, Kevin transitioned to South Stockton’s nonprofit sector to continue his advocacy for health equity in marginalized communities. As a co-developer of the Equity in COVID and Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program at Little Manila Rising, he has helped shape responses to COVID-19 while mentoring emerging health advocates. His expertise spans grant writing, program management, and environmental justice initiatives. Driven to address longstanding inequities, Kevin is acting Deputy Director, continuing to play a development role and supporting programs in sustainably tackling systemic issues in health, community redevelopment, and economic justice, contributing to a larger movement of social equity for communities affected by historic disinvestment. 

Greg Thompson, San Mateo County

Greg Thompson is a Supervisor and Recovery Coach for Voices of Recovery San Mateo County, where he provides vital support to those navigating their own paths to wellness. With over five years of personal recovery experience, Greg has transformed his journey through addiction into a powerful tool for helping others. His professional qualifications include certifications as a Medi-Cal Peer Specialist, an Advanced Level Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Facilitator, and a Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor. These credentials, combined with his compassion, make him a uniquely empathetic and effective guide for individuals seeking recovery from substance use and mental health challenges. Greg is deeply committed to sharing his story to inspire and empower others. Through his work, he actively facilitates group sessions, engages in one-on-one peer mentoring, and organizes clean and sober events that celebrate recovery. His mission is to show others that change is not only possible but within reach, fostering a supportive community where individuals can rebuild their lives and thrive. He believes that there are no limits to what recovery can achieve and that anyone, regardless of past choices, can build a brighter future.  

In his personal life, Greg is a devoted father to two sons and a loving pet parent to his dog. Spending time with his family is one of Greg’s greatest joys. He loves staying active with his kids, whether they’re playing sports together, cheering on their favorite teams, or challenging each other in video games. Greg also cherishes his roles as a partner, son, brother, and uncle, valuing the sense of community these relationships bring. In every aspect of his life, Greg embodies resilience and hope, showing that recovery is a journey worth taking—and one that can change lives.

Tiffany Turner, Los Angeles County

Tiffany (She/Her) is the Interim Chief Executive Officer at the Center for Oral Health, where she leads strategic initiatives to enhance organizational impact and sustainability. With extensive experience in executive leadership, Tiffany has successfully hired and managed diverse teams, overseen multimillion-dollar budgets, and executed mission-driven priorities that advance community health and well-being. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree at Claremont Graduate University. Tiffany holds both an MBA and MPH from Claremont Graduate University, a Post-Baccalaureate degree from Charles R. Drew University, and earned her BA in Psychology from San Francisco State University in 2010. Deeply committed to health equity, Tiffany leverages her expertise, experience, and dedication to drive meaningful change in public health. She looks forward to collaborating with her peers in the Together Toward Equity Fellowship to develop innovative solutions that improve access and outcomes for underserved communities.

Sawan Vaden, Sacramento County

Sawan serves as the Executive Director of Community Against Sexual Harm (CASH) in Sacramento, where she is deeply committed to supporting women who have been sexually exploited. With a proactive approach, she also plays a vital role on the Executive Committee of the CSEC Action Team, which concentrates on enhancing policies to better serve at-risk youth in California. 

Under Vaden’s leadership, CASH has seen a significant expansion of its services, driven by her successful efforts in securing vital funding. One of her key achievements includes the establishment of the Dignity Health Medical Safe Haven at the CASH Clinic, providing a secure and supportive environment for those in need of urgent medical care. 

Her work is not limited to administrative accomplishments; Vaden actively engages in street outreach initiatives, directly connecting with individuals affected by trafficking and collaborating with local healthcare systems to ensure that trauma-informed care is accessible. She is also instrumental in developing and delivering training programs for law enforcement, aiming to raise awareness about human trafficking and its impact on the community. 

Beyond her professional commitments, Vaden is a devoted mother of three, which fuels her passionate advocacy for preventive measures against human trafficking. Her dual role as a leader and parent drives her dedication to creating a safer world for future generations.