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

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

RONNIE HIGGS

California State University, Monterey Bay

ROMERO JALOMO

Hartnell College

CARYN LEWIS

Monterey County Office of Education

JOSHUA MADFIS

United Way Monterey County

MARIA ELENA MANZO

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

JACOB MARTINEZ

Digital Nest

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