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

Bonnie Irwin

Vice President for Academic Affairs
California State University, Monterey Bay

Yuri Anderson

Policy Adviser to Supervisor Mary Adams

Romero Jalomo

Vice President of Student Affairs
Hartnell College

Deneen Guss

Deputy Superintendent
Monterey County Office of Education

Francine Rodd

Executive Director
First 5 Monterey

Janet Shing

Director of Grantmaking
Community Foundation for Monterey County

Jose Luis Alvarado

Dean of College of Education
California State University, Monterey Bay

Margaret D'Arrigo

Vice President of Community Development
Taylor Farms

Martha Martinez

Superintendent
Salinas City Elementary School District

Tim Vanoli

Superintendent
Salinas High School District

Erica Padilla Chavez

Chief Executive Officer
Pajaro Valley Prevention & Student Assistance

Cynthia Holmsky

Director
Bright Futures

Martha Pantoja

CTE Coordinator for Soledad USD | Part-time Counselor at Hartnell

Ben Bruce

Program Director at Community Partnership for Youth

Joshua Madfis

VP Community Investments at United Way Monterey County

Reyna Alcala

Prevention Coordinator at Sun Street Centers

Shannan Watkins

Executive Director at Early Development Services

Shannon Graham

Director of Volunteer and Health Career Services at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System

Dan Burns

District Superintendent at Salinas Union High School District

Core Conveners

Lead Sponsors

Eduardo Ochoa | President, California State University Monterey Bay
Bruce Taylor | CEO, Taylor Farms
Lew Bauman | County Administrative Officer of Monterey County
Dan Baldwin | CEO, Community Foundation for Monterey County
Nancy Kotowski | County Superintendent, Monterey County Office of Education

Video – Copy of Bright Futures-HD_720 from Bright Futures on Vimeo.

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