Deputy Director

Israel Villa is a fierce advocate for social justice. Israel is a “School to Prison Pipeline Survivor” who spent much of his childhood and adulthood in systems of incarceration, he has spent the last nine years working to support the leadership of young people in Salinas, and across California, to change unjust policies that impact the community. Israel is a proud father and grandfather and a natural change-maker and has been using his background, life experiences, and heritage towards youth justice reform and systems change. Israel currently serves as the Deputy Director for the California Alliance for Youth and Community Justice (CAYCJ).

Director of Programs and Capacity Building

Jessica is a dedicated community advocate passionate about youth justice, youth development, and social innovation. Jessica grew up a daughter of immigrants and in a community that faced the challenges she now works to change. As a community organizer, Jessica has helped empower her community to advocate on the issues that directly impact them. Jessica holds a Community Health Worker certification from Victor Valley College, a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of California, Riverside and a M.A. in Social Innovation from the University of San Diego.

Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time outdoors in nature and exploring new places with her partner and pup Odin.

Strategy and Data Advisor and Mentor

Tia Elena Martinez has over 25 years’ experience working for social justice in working class communities of color in the United States. Over the decades her work spanned a wide range of issues including K-12 education, the HIV epidemic, the war on drugs, homelessness, affordable housing, disconnected youth, and immigration. She is currently the CEO of Forward Change, an organization that helps advocates and community organizers use data, strategy and research to advance racial, economic, and gender justice.

Administrative Assistant

After spending 15 years working her way up the ranks in the corporate world, including 10 years in a variety of administrative roles, Tanya decided to take her skills virtual. For the first 8 years of her virtual career, Tanya built her client base of non-profit and social justice organizations solely on referrals.