Our Story

I was born and raised in the Bronx, New York City, where I first learned the importance of community and the value of serving others. I understood early on the value of community and how important it is to support everyone, including those who were underrepresented with the same opportunities afforded to others, and that it didn’t matter if one was raised in a “housing project;” that the possibilities were just as endless for her as they were for others. I am passionate about advocating for affordable housing, creating positive change in our community, and leveling the playing field so everyone can have a safe, stable place to call home, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic background. I believe that having a home is a human right for all.

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Juris Doctorate from Monterey College of Law. Additionally, I am a certified mediator. I have worked in the fields of juvenile dependency and mediation, and I have extensive experience collaborating in the community on restorative justice, housing, and campaign management.

I am the Executive Director of Housing Santa Cruz County (HSCC). I also serve on several local boards, including Community Action Board, Encompass Community Services, and Monarch Services. I was recently re-elected as the President of the NAACP Santa Cruz County Branch.

I enjoy singing, dancing, and spending time with close friends. I live in Live Oak with my wife, Shinehah.

As a proud, born-and-raised Santa Cruzan, I’m passionate about taking on projects and roles that contribute to my community, foster connection, and promote inclusivity. With almost two decades of experience in the non-profit sector, primarily within youth-serving organizations, my career has been dedicated to making a meaningful impact.

Currently, I am the Assistant Director of Finance, Planning, and General Operations at The Center for Agroecology at UC Santa Cruz. In this role, I manage our budget, work with funders, lead staff, and support operations across our programs. One of the pieces I love most about this role is the diversity of tasks that come my way and the breadth of projects I oversee. Our work supports research initiatives with farmers across the Central Coast, provides students with access to culturally relevant, nutritionally dense produce, and engages with learners from around the world who are focused on organic agriculture.

I recently completed a term as Board President at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Monterey Bay. I am eager to bring my professional expertise and personal experiences to the Credit Union Board. I’m especially motivated by the opportunity to support financial literacy initiatives for individuals of all ages and collaborate with the staff and board on impactful community-wide initiatives.

I have been involved in non-profit organizations for over 20 years, serving as a director or member of the boards of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, CASA of Santa Cruz, Moreland Notre Dame, Loaves and Fishes, and Local Catholic Churches. Throughout my time serving in these capacities, I’ve been trained in budget guidance, team building, and leadership. I am also an alumnus of the Cabrillo College Supervisory Academy.

While I was born in Mexico, I was raised in Watsonville and have lived and served in this community for over 20 years. I feel connected to the community and the people the Credit Union serves. In my current job as Director of Programs and Impact at the Community Action Board, I have gained extensive experience in immigration law, community involvement, case management, and customer service.

Serving on the Board of Directors at Santa Cruz Community Credit Union will be an honor and an excellent opportunity to share my resources and knowledge with the management team and other volunteers.

I have been a member of the Santa Cruz Community Credit Union for more than 40 years. I retired in 2013 after working as a public employee for 30 years: 24 years for the city of Santa Cruz and six years for the city of San Jose. In Santa Cruz, I started working as a traffic engineering technician in the Santa Cruz Traffic Engineering Division and was promoted to Parking Programs Manager. From 2007 to 2013, I worked in the San Jose Transportation Department as the Off-Street Parking Manager.

I believe that my longtime experience with Downtown Santa Cruz, as well as my relationships with the City of Santa Cruz staff will help the Credit Union in dealing with some of the challenges and opportunities the headquarters faces Downtown. I have municipal finance and accounting experience based on my years of working with division and department budgeting and reporting.

Based on my volunteer service, I strongly understand nonprofit finance and reporting requirements. I currently serve as the vice-chair of the Santa Cruz Downtown Commission, which advises the City Council on Downtown issues, including parking. I am also vice-president of the Santa Cruz Education Foundation, which serves students, staff, and teachers in the Santa Cruz City Schools. Finally, I serve as Secretary for Cyclists for Cultural Exchange, an organization that works to promote peace and understanding through the use of bicycle touring as a platform for cultural exchange. I welcome the opportunity to serve the Credit Union’s members on the Board of Directors.

I am an active and committed community member. Throughout the years, I have served on the boards of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Monterey County (as a Director and Treasurer), the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center, the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce, and SCORE of Monterey Bay, as well as several years previously on the Credit Union’s Board as the Chair.

My expertise includes SBA, home mortgage and personal financing, small business management, community, and business relationship building, training and community skills, sales, mergers and acquisitions, and social media marketing.

I feel an alignment with the Credit Union’s values of honesty and integrity in business, social and personal life. I also teach my sons the importance of these values as they grow into productive human beings in society.

Serving on an Executive Board or Committee with Santa Cruz Community Credit Union will be an honor and an excellent opportunity to continue providing Santa Cruz County with the resources and tools the public and local businesses need to grow while strengthening our community and economy.

I have been a longtime member of the Santa Cruz Community Credit Union and have lived in Santa Cruz since 1975. I am politically active in our community and active in volunteer service. I have volunteered with several local organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Santa Cruz County Day Worker Center, Shared Adventures, and Carpenters Union Local 505.

Before retiring in 2013, I was a licensed general contractor and journeyman carpenter and an active member of the Carpenters Union for over 46 years. I have an extensive background in project management and coordination, budgeting, and maintaining relationships with all project stakeholders.

Serving on the Board of Directors at Santa Cruz Community Credit Union allows me to share my resources and knowledge with the management team and other volunteers and learn all I can to help other members.

Bonnie is the Director of Economic Development and Housing for the City of Santa Cruz (the successor organization of the Redevelopment Agency). In her role, she promotes business creation and growth, infrastructure development, and property management in the City of Santa Cruz. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Tulane University and a Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan.

As a retiree, I have focused on volunteering in the community by tutoring foster children, raising funds for a homeless children’s center, participating in local and national political campaigns, and working with the Santa Cruz County Supervisors and our community on a local bond issue. I have also spent time coaching students at the Santa Clara University Graduate School of Business.

During my career, I worked in both the public and private sectors. I managed and taught educational programs for institutionalized youth with severe disabilities. Additionally, I negotiated and managed budgets up to $15 million and managed many corporate and business development projects, leading valuation and acquisition teams. Lastly, I helped executive staff at large companies develop corporate strategies and business plans.

As a former Board member, I was privileged to learn what a difference SCCCU makes in people’s lives, not only through its products but also by providing financial education and lending to community partnerships. This strongly resonates with my love for this community and my efforts to “think globally and act locally.”

In my role on the Board of Directors from 1979 to 2001, I watched the Credit Union grow and change. I am proud of the impact we have made and continue to make in our community. I am passionate about the community development work we do here at the Credit Union and excited to continue to share my enthusiasm and support for it.

I recently retired after working for over 35 years in the Silicon Valley at various technology firms, such as Apple Computer and Juniper Networks, in customer service. I also have a financial background with analytical skills that have served me well with the auditing activities required at the Credit Union.