Erica Ayala
Patterson, CA

I was born and raised in Patterson, and graduated from CSU, Stanislaus with a double Bachelor in Communication and Gender Studies. While attending college I served as the president of the multicultural sorority of Lambda Sigma Gamma. Professionally I have worked as a resident advisor for the Equal Opportunity Program at CSU, Stanislaus and for The Center for Human Services as a Program Specialist for a Teen Center. I currently serve as an advisor for the Youth Action Commission, and I’m a member of the Youth Development Committee. I enjoy volunteering and coaching activities through the Parks and Recreation Department. Currently I’m working for the San Joaquin County Office of Education as a Career Developer.

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Chanda Chhin
Stockton, CA

Chanda Chhin is first generation Cambodian American with Chinese ancestry. Currently, she serves as the Youth Program Coordinator for Fathers & Families of San Joaquin where she works with youth, their strengths and ways we could maximize their capacity as social change agents – to come up with solutions to community issues and learn the importance of collective action. She is also a coalition member of Escuelas Si! Pintas No! (translation: Schools Yes! Prisons No!) – a youth organizing coalition in the Central Valley around youth justice and education equity. The work strives for building capacity for marginalized young people to expand and work towards a youth movement for social change. She received a B.A. in Sociology and minor in Ethnic Studies from the University of the Pacific.

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Mario Enriquez
Stockton, CA

Mario Enriquez was born in San Jose, California where he later moved to the central valley at the age of 11 to Lathrop, CA. Currently; Mario is finishing up his last year at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. He is majoring in Sociology with an emphasis in Civic Leadership. As an active leader on campus, Mario has served on numerous committees such as being Chair of both the Multicultural Greek Council and the United Cultural Council. He also works for the Latino Outreach Program, where he does active recruitment to local high schools. Mario is also heavily involved in the student body government as well as being in a multicultural Greek organization, Omega Delta Phi. For the future, Mario hopes to receive his Masters in Public Policy and one day run for public office. Mario is honored to be part of the IDEAL program where he is eager to learn from others and connect with community leaders that are passionate about issues that affect our society.

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Linda Garcia
Madera, CA

Linda was born in Madera, CA and has lived there her entire life. She is attending CSU Fresno where she is majoring in English Education. She plans to pursue a career in education. Linda is currently working for the Madera Coalition for Community Justice as an AmeriCorp V.I.P. She works primarily with the youth development project, the Madera Youth Leaders, and is glad to have the opportunity to combine her passion for education with non-profit work.

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Daniel Guerra
Fresno, CA

As the Program Development Manager for Fresno West Coalition for Economic Development, Daniel serves an area with the highest rate of urbanized concentrated poverty in the nation. His tenure at FWCED began in 2001 with service as an AmeriCorps *VISTA. A graduate of California State University, Fresno, Daniel received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Anthropology in 2001 and will obtain a Master’s Degree in Public Administration in 2010. A graduate of Leadership Fresno, Daniel's contributions include initiating the Community Development Credit Union Project, co-authoring and developing a civic engagement program, and involvement in financial literacy, workforce and entrepreneurship development initiatives.

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Julio Lamas
West Sacramento, CA

I recently obtained a B.S. in Community and Regional Development with an emphasis in Social Services from UC Davis. Throughout my college experience I have played an active role seeking social justice for underrepresented communities via educational outlets. I participated in multiple tutoring and mentoring programs for minority and/or low-income youth in Sacramento, Dixon, and Davis. Additionally, I interned in Puntarenas, Costa Rica coordinating daily educational activities at a boy’s orphanage and community foster home. I was also able to obtain two academic advising positions on the UC Davis campus, one for the Human and Community Development Department and the second for the Educational Outreach Program which primarily targets the minority, first-generation, and former foster youth population on campus. Finally, I held the positions of Historian, Pledge Educator, and President for Nu Alpha Kappa (NAK), a Latino-Based Fraternity. Currently, I am interning with Mercy Housing California, a non-profit affordable housing development agency. My next goal is to obtain a Master's in City Planning graduate degree from UC Berkeley.

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Nathan Lovaas
Turlock, CA

I was born in Sacramento and moved to Modesto when I was two. I have attended Modesto Junior College, California State University Maritime, Taft Collage, and California State University Stanislaus learning and pursuing architecture, transportation logistics, operations management, and currently, a Masters in Public Administration. While studying for a Thirds Mate Unlimited Tonnage License, I sailed around the Pacific aboard a 900 foot container ship, visiting over 27 countries. I volunteer as President of the Love Evolution Club at CSU Stanislaus and as Member President of Parents United International of Stanislaus County, helping to break the cycle of child sexual abuse. I serve for two non-profit organizations: the University Student Union at CSU Stanislaus and the Stanislaus Pride Center. I enjoy personal growth, connecting with others, and accomplishing unbelievable goals. Currently, I’m learning how to relax.

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Heather Meyers
Fresno, CA

I was born and raised in Selma, California to a native Californian Father and a Dutch Mother, providing me with both small-town and worldly background. I began working for Planned Parenthood Mar Monte in 1994 and have held various positions in both the Health Center and the Education Department, currently as a Health Educator. The experience and education I gained at Planned Parenthood propelled me to obtain a B.S. in Human Services. It also provided an opportunity to participate in various marches, protests, demonstrations, canvassing, and phone banking as well as be involved in fundraising events for leukemia and breast cancer.

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Jacobo Montejano
Atwater, CA

Jacobo was born in Merced, CA, and was raised in the city of Dos Palos, CA. He attended San Joaquin Memorial High School and later graduated from Firebaugh High School in June 2009. Jacobo is currently a student at Merced College, and is a Political Science Major with an emphasis in Public Service in the pursuit of one day becoming a lawyer. At Merced College he is a Senator within the Associated Students of Merced College, Region V Delegate of Merced within the SSCCC, and is also active in various Developmental Committees, and heavily involved with the clubs. His passion is working students from his alma mater and giving them the tools, information, courage, and perseverance to pursue higher education. In the future he plans on transferring to UC Davis, and then later applying to Harvard School of Law. Once he is able to practice Law, he plans on doing intensive work among various Latino Communities in the Central Valley, and focusing on children stuck in "Immigration-Limbo." Jacobo is very grateful to his parents, Albert and Marina Montejano, his abuelo, and mentor Ismael Herrera.

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Vong Mouanoutoua
Fresno, CA

Vong Mouanoutoua is happily married to Jane and is the proud father of 4 children (2 girls & 2 boys). Vong came to America in 1976. He is the 6th child in a family of 10. He obtained his Jurist Doctorate degree from San Joaquin College of Law. Vong works for Attorney Paul C. Lo as his Fresno Office Manager and Paralegal. Currently, Vong serves as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Clovis and is Chairman of the Board for Fresno County EOC. Moreover, he sits on the Boards of the following organizations - Children's Services Network, Fresno County Local Planning Council, Fresno County Human Resources Advisory Board, The Mouanoutoua Foundation, Lao Evangelical Church of Fresno, The Foundation for Fresno County Office of Education, and Measure "C" Citizens Oversight Committee.

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Minerva Perez
Modesto, CA

Minerva was born in Mexico City and raised in Phoenix, Ariz. She attended community college in Arizona before transferring to San Francisco State University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

She currently works as a program and communications associate for The Campaign for College Opportunity, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing the number of students attending two and four year colleges in the state and to impact the rate that students achieve their postsecondary education objectives.

Prior to joining The Campaign, Minerva worked as an education reporter for the Los Banos Enterprise. She has also written for other publications and organizations including the San Francisco Examiner, the Tri-Valley Herald, the Merced Sun-Star, and the University of California, Merced.

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Brian Rando
Modesto, CA

First and foremost I would like to thank the Great Valley Center and the IDEAL program for selecting me to be a fellow. Being born and raised in Modesto I am acutely aware of the necessity of any and all educational resources regarding leadership in the Central Valley.

Being a local product, I attended Sylvan School District for my elementary years and attended Beyer High School for my secondary education. I did get a little bit away from Modesto during my college years attending CSU Stanislaus in Turlock, CA. At Stanislaus I majored in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing. During my time at Stanislaus I served as a student senator and secretary of my Fraternity. I have a very tight family structure, with my parents, two sets of aunts, grandparents, and siblings all living within a half mile radius of each other. I am a member of Modesto North Rotary and have helped contribute to many of the community events they partake in.

My employment career has been centered in Modesto throughout my life. I started my work as an Office Administrator for a local real estate company, progressed to work at Sears as a TV salesman, then worked for Hewlett Packard as a sales representative going to different retail outlets in the area. After my endeavors selling electronics I finished my college career working for MCI Relay for the deaf in Riverbank. Our of college I worked as an outside sales representative for Yellow Book which helped me land a position with GlaxoSmithKline selling respiratory products to physicians, specialist and hospitals. Also, when I got out of college I applied and received my Broker’s license for Real Estate. When I hear people complain about there being no opportunities in Modesto I laugh. With the affordability and pace of life in the valley, I think the opportunities are abundant if one is willing to persevere.

Just to provide a little more background on myself, I am half Assyrian and half mixed Caucasian. I speak Assyrian fluently and am very closely knit with my culture. I have taken many Spanish classes but will need to brush up on that language so as to help make a better impact on the Hispanic community. I am athletic, liking to do anything active, including sports, swimming and especially hiking. I love learning and am a very organized individual who likes to be on top of everything I do. I would like to thank everyone with the Great Valley Center and the IDEAL program for having faith in me to complete and implement my learning for this program.

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Rhodesia Ransom
Tracy, CA

Rhodesia Ransom, a native of San Francisco, received a bachelor's degree in Political Science from San Francisco State University and is a candidate for a master's in Public Administration from Golden Gate University. She is principal and operations manager for Gold Street Real Estate Investments and was recently appointed Interim Executive Director for the Sow A Seed Community Foundation.

Rhodesia has an excellent record of public service and community leadership. She is a current member of the Tracy Planning Commission and has held active positions for several local boards and associations. From 2006-2008 Rhodesia served as a member/vice foreperson on the San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury, providing oversight to agencies throughout the county. As a charter member of the local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta she serves as chairperson of both the mentoring program and the Social Action Committee, where she is responsible for promoting active participation in political and social issues. As a result of her distinguished record of service, the Central Valley Drum Magazine featured her as the "2007 Grassroots Activist."

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Stephanie Rivero
Merced, CA

Stephanie is employed as the Administrative Assistant to Merced County Supervisor Mike Nelson. This position consists of quite a bit of research and community outreach. Both her uncle and father both serve on the Atwater City Council so she has been involved with politics the majority of her life! She is avidly involved in her community, as the Entertainment and Website chair for the Atwater Fourth of July Committee, the Secretary of Atwater Police Activities League, President of Merced Improv Club, member of Atwater-Castle Kiwanis Club, member of Atwater Community Advocates United for Safe Environments (A.C.A.U.S.E), and is currently enrolled in Leadership Merced. She has been working on starting an Atwater Youth Council along with a few other members of Atwater Police Activities League as is obtaining her Associate of Science in Business with the University of Phoenix. Stephanie was awarded a fellowship to the Society of Environmental Journalists Conference at Stanford University. This opportunity opened her eyes to a very important topic and was a wonderful learning experience. She is a student pilot working towards earning a pilots license. "I absolutely love flying, it’s one of my favorite things to do in my spare time." Stephanie also enjoys traveling, reading, writing, playing tennis, and spending time with friends and family.

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Victoria Solis
Merced, CA

I am a native of the Central Valley. I was born in Patterson and raised in Empire/Modesto. I lived in Southern California and returned to live in Delhi. My parents are from Mexico and became U.S. citizens in the 1980s.

I graduated with an A.A. from Modesto Junior College; a B.S. in Human Services from the University of Phoenix. I have recently been accepted to Fresno Pacific for a Masters Program.

I have many years of community involvement as well as non-profit volunteer hours to include: Cesar E. Chavez event; International Festival event; Teen/Adult Crisis agencies; and Scholastic Society. Currently, I am employed at Merced County Head Start as a Comprehensive Services Supervisor.

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Joany Titherington
Sacramento, CA

Joany is bi-racial and was born in Big Bear California. Her family, which consisted of her mother and five siblings moved to northern California to Baker’s Ranch and then to Auburn and moved us back to Sacramento where her mother called home. Her Grandmother was an architect and Grandfather a contractor. With such overwhelming pride of the City of Sacramento, her mother pointing out the buildings and homes that they created. She was very proud of both her parents’ accomplishments. This affected her profoundly and she felt compelled to have an impact with her accomplishments where she work and live. Joany moved and bought a home in the area in which her mother grew up and where her grandparents got their start. She is very passionate about the Oak Park neighborhood in which she live. Over the past fourteen years Joany actively participates in creating and facilitating changes in this neighborhood. Beginning with neighborhood "street sweeps," where she and other neighbors would clean a targeted street removing garbage, then breaking bread with one another. This neighborhood is now in its renaissance. This has resulted in Joany working in her neighborhood by bridging gaps, relationships and bringing industry to Oak Park has become her mission.

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Amanda Wigno
Red Bluff, CA

Amanda Wigno currently works as an Administrative and Marketing Specialist for the Job Training Center in Tehama County. Wigno, who was born and raised in Red Bluff, returned home after graduating from Westmont College in Santa Barbara in 2008. She received her BA in Communication Studies with a minor in Political Science and participated in two study abroad programs. During college Amanda worked in the Admissions Office, as a Resident Assistant, as well as an intern for the Santa Barbara Rapid Crisis Center. She also enjoyed representing Westmont at the National Model United Nations Conference in New York as the head delegate. She is a member of Young Business Leaders of Tehama County, and recently she has participated in Teen Challenge Day, Career Day, and a national youth conference called the Ultimate Life Summit.

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Morgan Woolf
Davis, CA

Morgan Woolf is a third-year undergrad at the University of California, Davis, majoring in Community and Regional development. Born and raised in Fresno, he has developed an interest in the mobility of city populations and downtown restoration. In addition (and heavily due to his farming background) food availability is also a key interest of his. Last summer, Morgan managed a food relief effort responsible for the distribution of over 115 tons of fresh produce to many plighted farming communities of the central valley. Though the effort is young, Morgan hopes to eventually establish it as a non-profit.

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Stephen Zamarripa
Merced, CA

Stephen Zamarripa was born in Merced, CA and lived there his whole life until he attended college at the University of California, San Diego. In college, he was involved with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, MIRA (Migrants Rights Awareness), M.E.Ch.A and various other organizations. He also participated in mentorship programs, led bible studies, and conducted seminars at different conferences among other things. After college, he did research in Oaxaca, Mexico on indigenous migration. He currently lives in Merced where he does Substitute and Home Teaching. His interests include: being with family and friends, reading, playing guitar, and learning how faith and justice intertwine.

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