Candidate Responses:

Describe your participation in the Partnership’s regional networks, policy committees, peer learning circles and other components of our Membership community

As the Executive Director of the Stanislaus Family Justice Center, we rely on our membership to CPDEV for information and updates that affect both our clients and the community. The CPDEV has consistently worked to ensure we are well educated and have an abundance of training materials

Describe how your values are aligned with the values of the Partnership.

I am a founding member of the Board for the Family Justice Center and worked to open this center in my volunteer role in the community. I understand the need for victims to have a voice and resources for which they can access. It also requires education of the surrounding community and to engage in partnerships to maximize services for those we serve. In my now role of Executive Director, I work to protect our programming and continue to ensure we provide resources to our community.

What does leadership mean to you? How do you demonstrate leadership?

Leadership means being accountable, being accountable to yourself and to others. Leadership also means learning and listening to those around you. I have been in many leadership roles in my career spanning from my professional duties as well as that of a dedicated community leader. I have served in an elected capacity and as well as at the discretion of a board of directors. I know to lead successfully means I need to do the work and understand the work. It also means I need to recognize all those who meet those in need where they are and support their efforts. Leadership isn’t having your name on the door, or the big titles. Leadership is having the trust of those around you and the willingness to look ahead and set a path for success for all those involved.

Describe your skills, experience or interests that can benefit, strengthen or increase capacity of the Board.

As a seasoned legislative professional, I have had the privilege of working for Members of Congress and State Legislators for over thirty years serving and managing district operations. Throughout my work, I have successfully managed grassroots activities for a multitude of candidates. I have led efforts to mobilize, advocate and engage communities for greater awareness on numerous issues as well as guided community leaders to resources and other networking opportunities. My ability to communicate with diverse audiences and to organize communities have been a staple of my work. I also serve as the Executive Director of the Family Justice Center of Stanislaus where I work to ensure that those who have suffered trauma and family violence have access to resources.

Describe how your relationships can enhance the work of the Partnership and the Board (for example, with policy-makers, media outlets, culturally specific communities, and the broader community). Tell us how you intend to cultivate those relationships on behalf of the Partnership.

With my breadth of experience in the Central Valley with elected and community leaders, I have forged many relationships that span the test of time. I continue to nurture my community and work to increase awareness and services for programs that are needed for our residents. I have used my work with policy makers to open our FJC as well as sustain it as a non profit in our community. I have been able to continue my positive interaction to increase awareness to victims of assault, family violence and human trafficking and will continue to be voice for others.

Like other nonprofits, Partnership Board members are expected to raise funds on behalf of the organization. Describe how you can leverage relationships to enhance the image or capacity of the Partnership (for example, potential donors, business leaders, philanthropists) and how you will help us meet our annual fundraising goal.

I am connected to community leaders, donors and philanthropists in my community and statewide, I don’t see a problem engaging in the fundraising.

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