WELL AAPI UnTapped 2023 Fellows
Ralph Galvan
Director, Valley County Water District
Ralph is from a working-class immigrant family who has become an entrepreneur fulfilling the promise of the American Dream through perseverance, strong work ethic, dedication, and pride. It’s been his commitment to serve his community with integrity and excellence.
His mother immigrated from Mexico in the 80’s. They first lived in Boyle Heights and since the age of 5 has called Baldwin Park home. He is the proud uncle of 5 nieces and nephews. Civic engagement has been a family value in the Galvan Family. Active engagement of all the family members, even the little ones. His mother and sister volunteer their time in social work, his father is a shop steward at his place of employment, and his brother coaches baseball and football. Ralph is most dedicated to disaster preparedness and human/LGBTQ rights.
Rachel Hernandez
Vice Mayor, City of Riverbank
Rachel Hernandez is a first-generation Mexican and Vietnamese, raised in Stanislaus County. During junior college, she joined a political science club where she was inspired by how civic engagement and communication (or the lack of it) impact communities. She went on to earn her Bachelors in Political Science and her Masters’s in Public Administration, which focused on Central Valley nonprofits and local government. For over 8 years, her career has focused on nonprofits serving a range of populations from survivors of domestic violence, to federally qualified health centers, AANHPI communities, and others. In 2020, she ran for city council where she currently serves as Vice Mayor.
Daniel Jenkins
Vice President, West Valley Water District
Vice President Dan Jenkins joined the West Valley Water District (WVWD) Board of Directors in July 2022. He represents Division 2, which includes the Cities of Rialto and Bloomington, as well as unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County.
Jenkins’ unwavering passion for his community is evident through his long history of volunteering for several local government and nonprofit organizations. As a healthcare professional, Jenkins truly understands the value and efficiency that better technology provides for organizations. As a board director, he uses this experience and insight to help improve technologies that will better serve WVWD ratepayers.
Sergio Jimenez
Councilmember, City of Monrovia
Sergio Jimenez is a dedicated public servant in the San Gabriel Valley and currently serves on the Monrovia City Council. Sergio was a Co-Founder of the East San Gabriel Valley Chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens and actively participates in various organizations.
Sergio is passionate about water-related issues and also has a successful career in commercial real estate. Sergio graduated from Azusa Pacific University with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s (MBA) in Business Administration. In addition, he graduated from Trinity Law School.
However, Sergio feels his greatest role and honor is to be husband to Cristina Jimenez and father to his daughter Frances.
Elizabeth Jonasson Rosas
Boardmember, Fresno Unified School District
Elizabeth Jonasson Rosas is a dedicated professional serving as the Public Affairs Representative for Westlands Water District and representing the Roosevelt High region on the Fresno Unified School District Board.
With an international background and entrepreneurial instincts, Elizabeth founded Jonasson Consulting to support Fresno businesses in capturing the Hispanic market. She has a strong track record in community outreach, media relations, and advocacy work, having served in various organizations including the Coalition for Clean Air and the California High-Speed Rail Authority.
Elizabeth is actively engaged in civic organizations and has been recognized for her contributions. She holds an MBA from California State University, Fresno, and also serves as an adjunct faculty member.
Chander Letulle
Director, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency
Chander Letulle was elected to represent Division No. 2 for the San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency. He is also the Director of Operations for Jurupa Community Services District. Chander is a water industry and community leader and holds multiple industry certifications.
Chander earned an MS degree in Environmental Engineering from UC Riverside, a BS degree in Environmental Science, and several AS degrees in Water Treatment, Distribution, and Wastewater Treatment from Santiago Canyon College.
Through volunteer work, community service, and professional and academic partnerships, Chander has demonstrated a passion for developing the next generation of tradespeople and water industry leaders.
Ariel Pe
Vice Mayor, City of Lakewood
Vice Mayor Ariel “Ari” Pe was elected in March 2020 to the Lakewood city council. Ari is a proud product of the Lakewood community and local schools, having lived in the city for over 52 years. Ari has deep roots in the community and actively engages in local affairs. As a small business owner and accomplished marketing professional, he brings valuable experience to his role.
Being the first Filipino American council member in Lakewood’s history, Ari takes pride in representing the city’s diverse population. Within the City Council, Ari assumes leadership roles as chair of the Environmental Management Committee, Water Resources Committee, and Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) Committee. Alongside his wife Karmina and their daughter Natalia, Ari cherishes his role as a proud resident and public servant of Lakewood.
