WELL UnTapped 2024 Fellows
Adonis Galarza-Toledo
President, Coachella Valley Unified School District
Adonis Galarza-Toledo grew up in the unincorporated community of Oasis, a rural community in the Coachella Valley. Growing up in Oasis, Mr. Galarza-Toledo quickly learned that to change his community, he had to pursue a higher education. Mr. Galarza-Toledo received his B.A. in Public Administration from California State University of San Bernardino.
In July 2020, after graduating from CSUSB, Mr. Galarza-Toma was appointed to represent his hometown of Oasis in the Coachella Valley Unified School District Board of Education. At the same time, he was hired by the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice to organize the community and advocate for safe and healthy communities. Currently, Mr. Galarza-Toledo is the Manager for Environment and Water Conservation for the Farmworker Institute of Education and Leadership Development. Mr. Galarza-Toledo is a strong advocate and continuously fights for a better quality of life for his community.
Alma Hernandez
Mayor, City of Suisun
Alma Hernandez is the First Latina Mayor of Suisun City. She holds an Executive Education Leadership Program certificate from the Yale School of Management and a business degree from Sacramento State University. Alma is also an alumna of Solano Community College.
As the First Latina Mayor, she’s a trailblazer in her community. Honored as a Woman of the Year in 2022 for her contributions to the small business community, Alma also serves as the immediate past president for the Northern Division of the League of California Cities and actively participates in various boards, commissions, and committees in Suisun City and Solano County.
Anamarie Avila Farias
Boardmember, Contra Costa County Board of Education
Anamarie has dedicated 30 years to public policy focused on housing, economic development, and aiding at-risk populations. Notably, she’s served as the first Latina on the Martinez City Council, and in 2020, was elected to the Contra Costa County Board of Education, where she serves as one of only two Latinas elected to a state or county position in Contra Costa. In 2015, Anamarie was appointed by former Governor Jerry G. Brown Jr. to the Board of Directors of the California Housing Finance Agency. She was re-appointed to the board in 2021 by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Anamarie earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and a Master of Science in Information Systems Management from the University of San Francisco. She was one of the first in her family to receive a four-year college and an advanced degree. She is proudly raising her two young children in her hometown in Contra Costa County with her husband.
Andy Ramirez
Director, Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District
Andy Ramirez has been a Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District (BCVWD) board member since 2016. He is an experienced public servant and currently serves as the Director of Public Works & Community Services for a local agency. Director Ramirez enjoys simplifying organizational complexities, improving operational and budgetary efficiencies, and building cohesive teams. Mr. Ramirez has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and graduated with the highest honors from California Baptist University. He resides with his wife and children in Beaumont, California.
Celeste Rodriguez
Mayor, City of San Fernando
Celeste Rodriguez was elected to the San Fernando City Council in 2020 and became Mayor in 2022.
In San Fernando, she prioritized community engagement with groundbreaking measures like public policies, translation services, and childcare at meetings. Celeste focused on economic stability, establishing programs such as small business grants and a Community and Business Resource Center.
Her work also addressed homelessness through committees and advocacy for specialized teams. Previously, she led poverty alleviation initiatives supporting vulnerable families at the Los Angeles Community Investment for Families Department. Celeste holds degrees in Economics and Social Work from the University of Southern California and cherishes family life with her husband, Robert, and their two children.
Cesar Garcia
Councilmember, City of Duarte
Cesar A. Garcia was appointed by the City Council to fill the District 6 vacancy in December 2021 & elected in 2022. Mr. Garcia was raised in the City of Duarte and is a proud graduate of Duarte High School. His family has lived in Duarte for over 27 years. He attended California State University, Los Angeles and is currently attending Citrus College.
Mr. Garcia’s positive experiences beginning at a young age in the City of Duarte inspired him to give back to Duarte’s unique community. He cares deeply about the City of Duarte and its residents, including its youth, seniors, and families. He values teamwork and strives to serve the community with confidence, pride, respect, and responsibility. Mr. Garcia is currently on The Foothill Transit Governing Board & is a member of Kiwanis
Danielle Parra
Boardmember, State Center Community College District
Danielle Parra, a dedicated public servant, possesses a Bachelor’s in Public Relations and a Master’s in Public Administration, forming the foundation of her commitment to public service. Elected as a representative for State Center Community College District in 2020, she champions educational opportunities and accessible student resources.
In her role as an Account Executive at Vista Consulting Inc., Danielle excels in client relations and campaign management, using her strong communication skills to foster meaningful relationships and community engagement. Her commitment to serving the Central Valley has been unwavering throughout her career. Danielle’s favorite non-profit, Ronald McDonald House Charities, reflects her dedication to community betterment.
Denise Delgado
Councilmember, City of Coachella
Denise Delgado grew up in Coachella and graduated from Coachella Valley High School and Strayer University. She has a master’s degree in secondary education from Grand Canyon University and is working on a second master’s degree in local government from the University of Southern California. She has worked as an executive manager at Saks Fifth Avenue, Ace Hardware and Target and is currently a teacher with Coachella Valley Unified School District. She has chaired the city’s planning and public arts commissions, as well as its library committee, and served on its parks and recreation commission.
Destiny Rodriguez
Boardmember, State Center Community College District
Destiny Rodriguez, an experienced advocate, holds a B.S. in Mass Communications Journalism with an emphasis on Public Relations and Chicano Latin American Studies from California State University, Fresno. With over fifteen years of dedicated work in organizations like The Climate Center, Central California Asthma Collaborative, and more, she is deeply committed to addressing air quality, health, and environmental issues in the Central Valley.
Destiny’s mission revolves around community and environmental well-being, and she has a rich history of community involvement and leadership. As a Measure C Citizen’s Oversight Committee member and a Board Member Consultant to the California Air Resources Board, she has demonstrated her commitment to public service. Destiny continues to be an advocate for safeguarding her community.
Doriss Panduro
Councilmember, City of Fairfield
Doriss Lopez Panduro, a recent member of the Fairfield City Council representing District 5, is a highly educated public servant with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Southern California and a Master’s in Public Affairs from the University of San Francisco.
She has a long history of involvement with community-based organizations and non-profits, driven by her commitment to public service. Doriss’s mission is to give back to the city that raised her, reflecting her dedication to her community.
Evelyn Dominguez
Boardmember, Rialto Unified School District
Evelyn Dominguez was born in the beautiful city of Guatemala and came to the United States at six without knowing any English. After high school, Ms. Dominguez enrolled at Chaffey College and completed the Certified Nursing Assistant program in 2004 and the Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) Program in 2014 as class president. In 2013, she met her husband, and they now have three boys and two huskies.
In 2022, she was elected to the Rialto Unified School District Board, becoming the first Latina on the board in all it’s history. Ms. Dominguez has volunteered with Alaniza Latina, which focuses on parent engagement and helping college-bound Latino scholars. She also serves as a catechist teacher at her church. She believes there is no greater gift than seeing her community flourish.
Dr. Frank Figueroa
Councilmember, City of Coachella
Dr. Frank Figueroa, a native of Coachella and the proud son and grandson of farmworkers, has emerged as a trailblazer in his community. As the first openly OUT elected official in the City of Coachella, Dr. Figueroa has been at the forefront of driving progress and advocating for inclusivity.
With over a decade of experience in Higher Education Administration, Dr. Figueroa recognizes the transformative power of education. His invaluable contributions as a Financial Manager at the University of California, Riverside showcased his profound understanding of education’s critical role in shaping communities.
A product of the local Coachella schools himself, Dr. Figueroa proudly holds a B.A. from the University of California, Riverside, a Master of Public Administration from California Baptist University and a Doctor of Education from the University of Massachusetts Global.
Karin Eugenio
Director, Imperial Irrigation District
Director Karin Eugenio was elected to the IID Board in the June 2022 primary election and currently represents Division 5.
An Imperial Valley native, Director Eugenio was born and raised in El Centro. She attended CSU San Marcos earning a bachelor’s degree in Literature in Writing Studies and a master’s degree in Rhetoric and Writing Studies from SDSU. As an educator, Director Eugenio has taught at MiraCosta College in Oceanside, CSU San Marcos, and currently teaches English and Communications at Imperial Valley College and Rhetoric and Writing Studies at SDSU, Calexico. Director Eugenio was recently accepted into a Joint Doctoral Program between Claremont Graduate University and SDSU in Education. During the day, she works as a Corporate and Government Affairs Specialist for the Anza Borrego Foundation.
Kelvin Moore
Director, West Valley Water District
Kelvin Moore is an accomplished professional with over 28 years of experience in leadership roles within healthcare management. He has served in various capacities, including Director of Environmental Services, Assistant Director, and Operations Manager at renowned healthcare institutions. Kelvin’s mission is to excel in healthcare management, ensuring compliance, quality improvement, and budget control.
His extensive experience and dedication to healthcare underscore his valuable contributions to the field. Currently, he serves on the Rialto Transportation Commission, where he has been actively involved for 10 years, and he is deeply committed to promoting diversity.
Stephanie Virgen
Councilmember, City of Coachella
Stephanie is a first-generation Latina who serves her community as a council member for the City of Coachella. Previously, she served three years as Chairwoman of the City of Coachella Planning Commission. In addition, she works as a Legislative Assistant for the Riverside County Board of Supervisors.
She most recently earned her master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University San Bernardino. Stephanie is also part of a newly formed Young Professionals Network. Serving on the planning committee, she works collectively to ensure they provide an inclusive community that educates, connects and empowers young professionals across the Coachella Valley.
Steve Gibson
Boardmember, Pasadena Community College District
Steven Gibson has worked for nonprofit and political organizations throughout his career. Gibson has traveled nationally and internationally giving talks and presentations on Bayesian He has published more than 20 books, some translated into Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese. Published author of fiction and academic books, including an academic book about international ethnic conflict.
Gibson has been a community organizer, having been trained by United Farm Worker staff. He has organized and carried out training for ecological campaigns, universal healthcare campaigns, and community empowerment.
