The Uplift Central Coast Coalition has officially appointed the Uplift Vision Committee. The role of the Uplift Vision Committee is to advise the Uplift Coalition and the Steering Committees on stakeholder integration, projects, and programs to ensure alignment to CERF objectives through a lens of racial equity and social justice and overall accountability and integrity. The responsibilities of the Uplift Vision Committee include recommending Steering Committee makeup, project review and recommendations to Steering Committees, quality control for alignment to vision and guiding principles/north star planning objectives. The below individuals embody deep expertise in the guiding principles of equity, sustainability, and economic opportunity and include representation from each of the six counties.
Ana Rosa Rizo-Centino
Manager of the Central Coast Climate Justice Network
Ana Rosa works closely with social justice organizations and environmental organizations that collaborate to advance climate action through an equity and racial justice lens.
Serving: San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County, Ventura County
Andrea Carlos Willy
Impact and Resource Development Officer for Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD)
Andrea is a Latina advocate leader, and her life has been dedicated to facilitating positive changes in health and education domains that support fragile populations and future generations.
Serving: Santa Cruz County, Monterey County
Cesar Lara
Director of the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council
Cesar brings a history leading and serving Labor Unions and community based organizations.
Serving: Santa Cruz County, Monterey County, San Benito County
Christine Robertson
Executive Director of the San Luis Coastal Education Foundation
Christine’s work centers on building a durable, inclusive, and economically mobile homegrown talent pipeline that can break the intergenerational poverty cycle.
Serving: San Luis Obispo County
Dirrick Williams
Executive Director, Black Leaders and Allies Collaborative (BLAAC)
Dirrick is a life coach, trainer, author, and inspirational speaker as well as founder of the Black Leaders And Allies Collaborative.
Serving: Monterey County
Garrett Wong
Climate Program Manager, County of Santa Barbara
Garrett brings experience in long-range planning, inclusive community engagement, and sustainability.
Serving: San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County, Ventura County
Kathy Odell
CEO, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV)
Kathy is passionate about creating sustainable, resilient, diverse communities where all residents have opportunities.
Serving: Santa Barbara County, Ventura County
Lawrence (Larry) Samuels
Special Assistant to the Chancellor of UC Santa Cruz
Larry is a long-time resident of the Central Coast who understands and is committed to equitable economic development.
Serving: Santa Cruz County, Monterey County
Rosa Vivian Fernandez
President and Chief Executive Officer of San Benito Health Foundation (SBHF)
Rosa understands equity issues, specifically in rural areas, and will be a vocal advocate for the immigrant and underserved communities in the region.
Serving: San Benito County
Sam Cohen
Government Affairs and Legal Officer at Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians
Sam is a seasoned legal and regulatory affairs executive with a solid history of leading successful advocacy and Government initiatives.
Serving: Santa Barbara County
