Our work is possible because of the diverse coalition of local and regional leaders, educators, researchers, and investors who are working together to build a brighter future for our community.
Steering Partners
Primary Governance

REYNA ALCALA
Sun Street Centers

YURI ANDERSON
County of Monterey

KIM BARBER
California State University, Monterey Bay

BEN BRUCE
Community Partnership For Youth

DAN BURNS
Salinas Union High School District

MARGARET D’ARRIGO
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System

CATHI DRAPER RODRIGUEZ
California State University, Monterey Bay

DIEGO ESPINOZA
Monterey Peninsula College

SHANNON GRAHAM
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System

JOEL HERNANDEZ LAGUNA
The Center for Community Advocacy

ROMERO JALOMO
Hartnell College

CARYN LEWIS
Monterey County Office of Education

JOSHUA MADFIS
United Way Monterey County

MARIA ELENA MANZO
Sacred Heart Catholic Church

MARTHA MARTINEZ
Salinas City Elementary School District

ERICA PADILLA-CHAVEZ
Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance

FRANCINE RODD
First 5 Monterey County

JOSÉ S. SÁNCHEZ
City of Greenfield Greenfield Community Science Workshop

JANET SHING
Community Foundation for Monterey County

TIM VANOLI
Soledad Unified School District

SHANNAN WATKINS
Early Development Services
Core Conveners and Staff
Lead Sponsors

DAN BALDWIN
The Community Foundation for Monterey County

DENEEN GUSS
Monterey County Office of Education

CHARLES MCKEE
County of Monterey

EDUARDO OCHOA
California State University, Monterey Bay

BRUCE TAYLOR
Taylor Farms
Staff

SONJA KOEHLER
PARTNERSHIP STAFF:
Bright Beginnings (Goals 1 & 2)

LAURA KEELEY SALDANA
PARTNERSHIP STAFF:
Bright Beginnings (Goals 1 & 2)

IRIS GAMEZ
PARTNERSHIP STAFF:
Bright Beginnings (Goals 1 & 2)

MAYRA PEREZ DIAZ
PARTNERSHIP STAFF:
United Way/Bright Beginnings (Goals 1 & 2)

CYNTHIA NELSON HOLMSKY
BRIGHT FUTURES (Full Cradle to Career)

MICHAEL APPLEGATE
BRIGHT FUTURES (Full Cradle to Career)

JOSH WARBURG
BRIGHT FUTURES (Full Cradle to Career)

JEANNE FISCHER
BRIGHT FUTURES (Full Cradle to Career)
Leaders' Forum
Community Vision
Business
- Agriculture
- Hospitality
- Healthcare
- Education Technology
- Small Business Chambers of Commerce
Education & Government
- Early Childhood Development
- K12 Schools
- Community Colleges
- Universities
- Monterey County Office of Education
- Monterey County Government
- Elected Officials
Service Organizations
- After School & Summer Programs
- Child & Youth Non-Profit Organizations
- Civic Groups
- Faith-based Organizations
- Philanthropists