I believe in everyone's ability to overcome seemingly impossible obstacles and create positive change. I saw this first hand in the 40+ year effort to protect Coyote Valley in south San Jose and it will always be a great source of pride having been part of a collaborative, coalition-driven campaign culminating in policy change and land acquisition, casting protections of 7,400 acres of open space and farmland.
In my ten-year tenure as the Executive Director of Green Foothills, I provided strategic direction and oversight of all operations. I facilitated the organization’s strategic planning process, designed systems for strategic plan implementation, and led the process to create the organization’s first theory of change. I also led the process to design and document all of the organization’s programs in a compelling way in partnership with the entire board and staff, detailing the inspirational outcomes, the on-the-ground work involved, and the resources needed to do the work.
My experience in growing more inclusive and equitable movements has been widely recognized by nonprofit, civic, and community leaders and includes:
In 2023, I transitioned to a new chapter by launching my consulting and leadership coaching business.
As a nonprofit consultant, I offer valuable support to established agencies and nascent organizations seeking to deepen their impact. My approach combines a focus on the Big Idea with meticulous attention to detail, making me an asset for teams aspiring to create lasting change. In all that I for the organizations I serve, I bring my whole self including my expertise and experience in governance, fundraising, donor relations, coalition building, program theory development, grant writing, tribal collaboration, human resources, technology, facilitation, coaching, public speaking, finance, grassroots organizing, and advocacy.
As a professional and personal coach, I help change makers design their best lives, make a difference, and help keep their commitment to themselves alive.
Have a big idea you want to launch? Ready to level up but having trouble getting out of your own way? Let's talk. I can’t wait to learn more about your vision.
In my ten-year tenure as the Executive Director of Green Foothills, I provided strategic direction and oversight of all operations. I facilitated the organization’s strategic planning process, designed systems for strategic plan implementation, and led the process to create the organization’s first theory of change. I also led the process to design and document all of the organization’s programs in a compelling way in partnership with the entire board and staff, detailing the inspirational outcomes, the on-the-ground work involved, and the resources needed to do the work.
My experience in growing more inclusive and equitable movements has been widely recognized by nonprofit, civic, and community leaders and includes:
- Launching a Leadership Program in 2013, graduating 260 changemakers who are advancing environmental justice locally. Spearheading the evolution of the program curriculum ensuring graduates are equipped with a strong DEI foundation.
- Prioritizing building trust with tribes and indigenous groups, raising $300K+ to support Native-led initiatives and tribal sovereignty.
- Launching an equity-focused outings program to support community healing.
In 2023, I transitioned to a new chapter by launching my consulting and leadership coaching business.
As a nonprofit consultant, I offer valuable support to established agencies and nascent organizations seeking to deepen their impact. My approach combines a focus on the Big Idea with meticulous attention to detail, making me an asset for teams aspiring to create lasting change. In all that I for the organizations I serve, I bring my whole self including my expertise and experience in governance, fundraising, donor relations, coalition building, program theory development, grant writing, tribal collaboration, human resources, technology, facilitation, coaching, public speaking, finance, grassroots organizing, and advocacy.
As a professional and personal coach, I help change makers design their best lives, make a difference, and help keep their commitment to themselves alive.
Have a big idea you want to launch? Ready to level up but having trouble getting out of your own way? Let's talk. I can’t wait to learn more about your vision.
current and recent clients
American Leadership Forum Insights
CompassPoint Mentorship City of Gilroy County of Santa Clara Office of Education East Bay Regional Parks District Green Foothills |
Las Positas College Foundation
MenloSpark Muwekma Ohlone Preservation Foundation Peninsula Conservation Center Management Council Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority Tri Valley Conservancy |
community service
2023 - Present | Appointee, Santa Clara County Sustainability Commission
2021 - Present | Member, Rotary Club of San Jose
2020 - 2021 | Appointee, San Jose General Plan Task Force
2017 - 2018 | Co-Chair, No on B/Yes on C Campaign
2023 - Present | Appointee, Santa Clara County Sustainability Commission
2021 - Present | Member, Rotary Club of San Jose
2020 - 2021 | Appointee, San Jose General Plan Task Force
2017 - 2018 | Co-Chair, No on B/Yes on C Campaign
nonprofit leadership
2021 - 2023 | Board Member, Muwekma Ohlone Preservation Foundation
2013 - 2023 | Executive Director, Green Foothills
2009 - 2013 | Program Director, Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter
2008 - 2009 | Community Director, GenerationEngage
2007 - 2008 | Director, Environmental Resource Center, San Jose State University
2021 - 2023 | Board Member, Muwekma Ohlone Preservation Foundation
2013 - 2023 | Executive Director, Green Foothills
2009 - 2013 | Program Director, Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter
2008 - 2009 | Community Director, GenerationEngage
2007 - 2008 | Director, Environmental Resource Center, San Jose State University
education and leadership development
2024 | Positive Intelligence Coach Training, working toward certification
2024 | Interim Executives Academy Certificate, Third Sector Company
2023 - 2024 | Co-Active Institute Coach Training
2021 - Present | West Valley College, Philosophy AA
2018 - 2023 | Member, DEI CEO Affinity Group, American Leadership Forum
2022 | Participant, Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders, Stanford University (40 hours)
2021 | Participant, Investing in Future Leaders, Bridgespan Group
2004 - 2008 | San Jose State University, Environmental Studies BA, Political Science Minor
2024 | Positive Intelligence Coach Training, working toward certification
2024 | Interim Executives Academy Certificate, Third Sector Company
2023 - 2024 | Co-Active Institute Coach Training
2021 - Present | West Valley College, Philosophy AA
2018 - 2023 | Member, DEI CEO Affinity Group, American Leadership Forum
2022 | Participant, Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders, Stanford University (40 hours)
2021 | Participant, Investing in Future Leaders, Bridgespan Group
2004 - 2008 | San Jose State University, Environmental Studies BA, Political Science Minor
awards and recognition
2023 | Tree planted in Coyote Valley, Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
2023 | United States flag flown over the US Capitol, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo
2023 | Commendation, State Senator Josh Becker
2023 | Commendation, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
2023 | Collaborative Leader Award, Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez
2018 | Special Recognition Award, Santa Clara County League of Conservation Voters
2017 | Champion Award, Greenbelt Alliance
2023 | Tree planted in Coyote Valley, Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
2023 | United States flag flown over the US Capitol, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo
2023 | Commendation, State Senator Josh Becker
2023 | Commendation, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
2023 | Collaborative Leader Award, Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez
2018 | Special Recognition Award, Santa Clara County League of Conservation Voters
2017 | Champion Award, Greenbelt Alliance