Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes was elected to represent California’s 29th Senate District in 2024, continuing a career of public service rooted in the Inland Empire community where she was born and raised. A proud daughter of immigrants, Reyes has dedicated her career to expanding opportunity, strengthening representation, and ensuring that working families and historically underserved communities have a meaningful voice in the decisions that shape their lives.

Reyes was recently elected by her colleagues to serve as Vice Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus for the 2027-28 Legislative Session. Before her election to the Senate, Reyes served eight years in the California State Assembly, where she rose to become Majority Leader in 2020—the first Latina and only the fourth woman in California history to serve in that role. She previously served as Assistant Majority Whip and held numerous other legislative and caucus leadership positions.

Jacque Casillas is the Mayor of Corona, a community advocate, and a lifelong Riverside County resident who has spent her career bringing people together to strengthen communities. First elected to the Corona City Council in 2018, Jacque has focused on responsive local government, community engagement, and improving quality of life for the city she has always called home. She also serves as Chair of the Western Riverside Council of Governments and, professionally, as Community Engagement Manager for the IEHP Foundation, where she works with partners across the Inland Empire to advance health and well-being. Jacque believes deeply in the power of women to lead, to use their voices, and to step into spaces where decisions are made. She lives in Corona with her husband, Zach, and their two young children, Eleanor and Rowan, who keep her grounded and continually remind her why building stronger communities for the next generation matters.

Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds is a nationally recognized journalist, publisher, and civic leader. She is the founder of Voice Media Ventures, publisher of Black Voice News, and the Inland Empire Journalism Innovation Hub + Fund.

Since 2000 she has led Footsteps to Freedom, summer cultural tours retracing the steps of freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad, the first successful interracial freedom movement in the US. She recently launched the Frederick Douglass Travel Club in partnership with the descendants of the great abolitionist.

A two-time Stanford University JSK Journalism Fellow and former president of the California News Publishers Association, she is a champion for local journalism, equity, and community empowerment. Her honors include California Newspaper Executive of the Year, the UC Riverside Alumni Service Award, and an honorary doctorate from CSU San Bernardino. In 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom appointed her to the California Transportation Commission.

Cameo A. Carter, MD, ABP Diplomate, ABOM Diplomate, is a board-certified pediatrician and obesity medicine specialist, entrepreneur, advocate, and host of the DoctorLady Podcast. She is the founder and CEO of Garden Pediatrics, established in Redlands in 2008, and Garden Wellness, an adult obesity medicine practice. Her advocacy grew from helping children and families navigate barriers to healthcare, education, and insurance coverage. As a physician member of the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act Coalition, she has advocated alongside patients and families on Capitol Hill, and she advances physician and patient priorities at the state level through her work with the California Medical Association.

In 2026, she attended the State of the Union as the guest of Congressman Pete Aguilar, helping draw national attention to the effects of rising healthcare costs on families in her community. She has also advocated for former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, using her voice to highlight the challenges facing primary care in California, while supporting other congressional and local candidates committed to serving their communities. Through clinical care, physician leadership, public speaking, social media, and her DoctorLady platform, Dr. Carter encourages physicians and women to use their expertise, experiences, and voices to create meaningful change.

Lisa Bain, MPH, is the Senior Director for U.S. Programs at Global Communities. She has more than 20 years of experience advancing health equity through community-based and federally funded programs. Lisa's expertise spans maternal and child health, program evaluation, and systems change, with a focus on improving perinatal outcomes and work with immigrant communities.  She has led Healthy Start initiatives, efforts to strengthen the perinatal health workforce, and engaged in local and federal policy discussions related to maternal health, access to care, and environmental health. Recognizing that health outcomes are shaped by the communities we live in, she is passionate about advancing cross-sector partnerships, policy change, and system improvements that help families thrive. A UCLA-trained public health professional, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and trained Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member, Lisa is passionate about building partnerships and advancing community-driven solutions.

DJ Brownsounds is a Black feminist DJ-scholar from the Inland Empire. She can be found behind the DJ booth, on the dancefloor, facilitating learning spaces, or chatting, thinking, and writing at a local coffee shop or bar. She loves playing genre-bending tunes that help release stress from the body and has been DJing in Southern California’s grassroots art, music, and activist scene since 2021. She earned her BA in History from Spelman College in 2019 and is currently preparing to defend her Ph.D. in Anthropology at the University of California, Riverside.

A dedicated community leader and longtime Rialto resident since 1996, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to civic engagement, public service, and community empowerment throughout the Inland Empire. With over 25 years of experience as an Engineering Project and Program Manager and owner of LC Engineering and Consulting (LCEC), she has served on numerous civic committees, including the City of Rialto’s Budget Advisory Committee, Community Advisory Committee, Housing Element Update Committee, and Complete Count Committee, which she chaired. She also served as Co-Chair of the Inland Empire Complete Count Committee’s Education, Recruitment and Training Subcommittee and as a member of the San Bernardino Community College District Citizens Bond Oversight Committee. A passionate advocate for voter education and civic participation, she currently serves as Treasurer and Voter Services Chair for the League of Women Voters of the San Bernardino Area and as a Board Member of the League of Women Voters of California. Her dedication to community service earned her the City of Rialto’s 2019 Woman of the Year recognition and the Mayor’s 2021 Jewel Award. She is also a proud wife of over 30 years and mother of two children.

Ann Cheney, PhD, MA is Professor in the Department of Social Medicine Population and Public Health at the University of California Riverside School of Medicine. She is a medical anthropologist and academic investigator for Unidas por Salud, a community academic partnership focused on building the capacity of women leaders and students to addresses structural and social determinants of health among Latinx and Indigenous Mexican communities. She is founder of the HABLAMoS (Hispanic And Bilingual Ambulatory Medical Studies) curriculum and faculty director of the Coachella Valley Free Clinic.  

Samantha is an honors scholar and junior at California State University, San Bernardino, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She is an active student leader who currently serves as Student Body Vice President. Samantha is also the founder and president of a campus organization dedicated to promoting community service throughout the Inland Empire. In addition, she is involved in student research and hopes to become a physician who contributes to healthcare policy and improves access to care.

Denise Davis is the founder of the Persist Women's Political Engagement Conference. The inaugural event started in 2017 and was the first of its kind in the region, bringing together students, scholars, elected officials, and those who work in the non-profit arena with a focus on inspiring women to get more involved at every level of government. Denise currently serves as the Assistant Director of Advocacy and Institutional Relations in UCR's Office of Governmental and Community Relations. In 2018, Denise was elected to the Redlands City Council and was re-elected in 2022, currently serving in her 7th year. She holds a masters degree from the London School of Economics and served as a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar while there in 2007-2008. She is a first-generation college graduate and earned her BA from the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies at the University of Redlands. Above all, she's the proud mom of a lively two-year-old, whose boundless curiosity and sense of joy and wonder inspire her daily. 

Dr. Gwen Dowdy Rodgers is a committed and respected leader of the 21st century. Dr. Rodgers has worked over two decades in finance and behavioral health while advocating for youth and families. She the current Chair of the San Bernardino Countywide Gangs and Drugs Taskforce and the First 5 Commission Vice Chair. She was elected to San Bernardino City Unified board of education in 2015 and is the former president and vice-president. She is a delegate for the California School Board Association and served on the legislative committee. In, 2022 as the first Black women to serve on the San Bernardino County Board of Education and is now a two-term board president serving 33 school districts and over four hundred thousand scholars. Dr. Rodgers is a champion of the people and fights every day to make sure there is equity for all students, parents, staff and community members. She continues to work on social justice issues while providing advocacy for wellness centers, bi literacy for all, dual college enrollment and financial literacy, to address the opportunity gaps and the social emotional and mental health needs of everyone coupled with a goal to always make space for student voice. 

An experienced storyteller and award-winning digital marketer, Deanna Hendrick serves as the communications and public affairs manager at IEHP Foundation. She helps amplify the stories of the nonprofit organizations that are breaking down barriers and creating access for families who need it most.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time and volunteering as a Girl Scout Troop leader and the occasional assistant soccer coach. 

Adelaide is a senior at the University of Redlands double majoring in Public Policy and Geographic Information Systems. She is currently serving in her second term as Student Body President, where she advocates for accessibility, inclusivity, and the needs of the student body. She is also involved on campus in various other roles, such as a member of the Bulldog Civic Engagement Collective and as a Maroon and Grey Student Ambassador. She is passionate about civic engagement and creating opportunities for students to become informed, active participants in their campus communities and the democratic process.

Amy Jones was elected to the Loma Linda City Council in July 2026 and is currently serving as Mayor during her first term. She is the first person of color to serve as mayor in Loma Linda and the first woman to serve as mayor in more than 20 years.

Amy’s path to public service has been shaped by a belief that meaningful change often starts with simply being willing to step forward. She has spent years serving her community in many different ways from founding and leading a nonprofit for children and advocating for animal welfare, to revitalizing Loma Linda’s community garden and volunteering as its coordinator for eight years.

Amy holds a master’s degree in Higher Education from Claremont Graduate University and works at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. Her work in education, community service, and local government reflects her commitment to creating communities where people feel heard, connected, and empowered to make a difference.

With more than 28 years of experience in public social service programs, including CalWORKs, CalFresh, and Medi-Cal, Shalaun has worked to connect people, processes, and technologies to improve access to essential resources such as healthcare, housing, and food for families in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. In her role at IEHP, Shalaun partners with counties, healthcare providers, and community organizations to address barriers to Medi-Cal eligibility, strengthen enrollment and retention efforts, and ensure members can access the care they need. Her work focuses on collaboration, innovation, and creating sustainable solutions that support underserved communities. Shalaun received a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in Organizational Management from University of Arizona – Global Campus.

I am a 5th year PhD candidate in the Botany and Plant Sciences department. My research centers around treatments for a devastating bacterial disease spread by an insect between citrus trees. Controlling this disease is at the intersection of economic and environmental issues with immense policy relevance. Because of this, I decided to complete UCR's Science to Policy (S2P) certificate course last year. Energized by the opportunity to translate research into policy, I joined the S2P student cabinet right after finishing the course. I now serve as co-chair of the cabinet with Jinrui Tan. 

Stephanie Lezama, MSW, is the Programs Director at Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino, overseeing hunger-relief programs for seniors, veterans, youth, and families across the Inland Empire. A therapist by training, she brings clinical and community experience to building programs that address food insecurity and whole-person well-being.

Graciela Moran is Manager of the Office of Policy & Engagement at the Inland Empire Community Foundation, where she leads government affairs, policy, and advocacy initiatives across 52 cities and 30 school districts. Her work focuses on advancing equity in housing, employment, and education through philanthropy and community partnerships. Previously, she served at Caravanserai Project, where she led the California Dream Fund, distributing $500,000 in micro-grants to more than 80 Inland Empire entrepreneurs.

A daughter of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation college graduate, Graciela is a 2024 HOPE Latina Advocate and graduate of the Coro Southern California Women in Leadership program. She serves on the Board and Action Fund of Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest. A former Student Body President at CSU San Bernardino, she holds a B.A. in Global Studies and a Master’s in Public Administration from San Diego State University. Her work is driven by a commitment to breaking generational barriers and uplifting Inland Empire communities.

Chris Oberg is an executive leader specialized in community-based organizations. The past four years as Chief Executive Officer at Riverside-grown Path of Life offered a deep dive into a complex issues. Chris’ academic interest of ethics in society is put to the practical test at the intersection of public/private partnerships embodied in neighborhoods. Centering the voice of those experiencing homelessness in creating remedies and reframing the stories we tell about homelessness is a priority. With years served in educational spaces, Chris brings cross-over competencies to students experiencing homelessness, and is most excited about alliances with school districts, colleges, and universities. Interrupting intergenerational poverty and homelessness for students opens a fresh trajectory of hope. This inspires Chris to work smarter each day.  Honest data and unlikely partnerships are Chris’ current priorities. Chris trusts that communities can do difficult things.

Jennifer Portillo was born and raised in San Jose, California, and earned her BA in Public Policy from the University of California, Riverside. She currently serves as the Sr. Government Relations Specialist at the Child Care Resource Center in San Bernardino, where she advocates for childcare policies and programs that aim to create a brighter future for children and families in California. Jennifer is chair of the Child Care Committee at Inland Empire Children’s Cabinet, Regional Lead for Every Child California’s ECE Voices Advocacy Network, and chair of the Local Planning Council’s Public Policy Subcommittee. As a Sr. Government Relations Specialist, engages in advocacy meetings, and events, at the local, state, and federal level.

Chantel Runnels, MBA, CD(DONA), CLES, is a mother of four, certified doula, and maternal health advocate who works to ensure Black families have meaningful choices, trusted support, and a voice in their care. As Executive Director of Sankofa Birthworkers Collective of the Inland Empire, she brings families, birthworkers, and community partners together to expand access to culturally responsive care across Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Her advocacy extends from supporting families through birth to helping shape California’s Medi-Cal doula benefit and contributing to SB 65 maternal health advocacy efforts. Also the founder of The Chaun Collective and creator of The Doula Lab™, Chantel helps birthworkers build sustainable careers while advocating for systems that value their expertise and the families they serve.

Dr. Jade S. Sasser is a Professor in the Department of Society, Environment, and Health Equity at UCR. Her research analyzes the relationships between race, gender, and reproduction in the midst of the climate crisis. In her free time, Sasser is a DJ at KUCR, our UCR campus radio station. Her show, the Vibe Check, is focused on R&B, soul, and funk music, and it airs Fridays at 2pm.

Mayor Naomi Soto is a healthcare executive, community leader, feminist organizer, and Mayor of Palm Springs. Since moving to the Coachella Valley in 2011, she has dedicated her career to advancing public health, equity, and community well-being. She currently serves as Well-Being Manager at Eisenhower Health, the Coachella Valley’s largest employer, where she supports the health and well-being of more than 5,400 employees and 1,000 physicians.

Before joining the Palm Springs City Council, Mayor Soto chaired the city’s Measure J Commission, overseeing more than $120 million in tax revenue for community infrastructure. She also served as Chair of Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest and participated in statewide healthcare advocacy campaigns. Guided by her public health background, she is committed to building a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable Palm Springs where people of all ages can thrive.

Karen Spiegel serves as Chair of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and represents the Second District, a position she has held since 2018. Before joining the Board, she dedicated more than two decades to serving the City of Corona as City Treasurer, Council Member, and four-term Mayor. Throughout her public service, Supervisor Spiegel has focused on regional collaboration, transportation and infrastructure improvements, economic development, and responsive constituent services. Her hands-on leadership and ability to build partnerships across cities, agencies, businesses, and community organizations continue to guide her work on behalf of Riverside County residents.

Kimberly Starrs, MBA, CFRE, is the President and CEO of Inland SoCal United Way and Inland SoCal 211+ where she has led the organization’s growth into one of the largest social service agencies in the Inland SoCal Region, touching more than 1 million lives. A dedicated community leader and advocate, she serves on multiple boards and committees, including the Riverside County Workforce Development Board and as the public policy co-chair for United Ways of California, championing equity and opportunity for all.

Helen Tran is the 35th Mayor of the City of San Bernardino, sworn into office on December 21, 2022, making history as the first Asian American elected to lead the city and the first female Vietnamese Mayor elected in the United States. The daughter of Vietnamese refugees, Helen grew up in San Bernardino and graduated from Cajon High School before becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college, earning her bachelor's degree from UC Santa Cruz. Her career in public service began in high school as a grassroots organizer, and in 2006 she joined the City of San Bernardino as Executive Assistant to the Director of Human Resources, later becoming the city's youngest Director of Human Resources. A dedicated public servant, nonprofit leader, and mother of four, Helen also serves on several regional boards and committees, including SBCTA, SCAG, and Omnitrans.

Mia Rose Tu’ifua is a student leader, public servant, and advocate committed to creating meaningful change in her community. She is pursuing both a Political Science/ International Affairs and Philosophy degree at the University of California, Riverside, where she currently serves as President of the Associated Students of UCR. In this role, she advocates for students across campus, with a focus on basic needs, belonging, student engagement, and ensuring student voices are represented in university decision-making. Mia’s commitment to public service extends beyond UCR. She also works in the Mayor’s Office of one of California’s largest cities, gaining experience in governmental affairs, constituent services, policy initiatives, and intergovernmental advocacy. Her experiences in local government and student leadership have strengthened her interest in law, public policy, and civic engagement. Before becoming ASUCR President, Mia served as a Campus Internal Affairs Fellow, CHASS Senator, and Executive Vice President. As a first-generation college student, she is inspired by her family’s sacrifices and driven by a belief in the power of education, leadership, and public service to create opportunities for others. 

Jocelyn Yow has over ten years of experience in government relations, nonprofit leadership, and youth development. She won her election for Eastvale City Council in Riverside County at the age of 23, and at the age of 25, she became the youngest woman of color to serve as mayor of a California city. She’s also currently serving as the executive director of Woodcraft Rangers, providing expanded learning to students in the Inland Empire through community aligned, youth-driven programs.