Meet Our Central Valley Board of Advisors
- Kevin Akins
- Nov 20
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
We're thrilled to announce our new Board of Advisors for IYT Central Valley! These dedicated individuals are deeply committed to moving the needle forward for young men of color, and we're honored to have their support.
Bob Gutierrez
Owner, BG Strategies
"I have had the opportunity to work with IYT over the last year. I am amazed by the students that have come in the last year and watching their progress since we were able to engage. This summer really solidified this experience for me after our CRC team had four student interns for the summer. They were great and learned so much but more than anything they were proud and grateful. I like to see this type of group in our youth, it's important."
Briana Gonzalez
Community Partnerships Manager, BEAM Circular
"I believe in the mission of IYT, and I’ve seen firsthand how it creates community and connection for students who might not otherwise have that kind of support."
Diane Ornelas
Social Services Case Manager, SUSD
"As a parent of a current IYT member, I have seen first-hand the impact the program makes on our youth."
Ennis D. Frost
Self-Help Federal Credit Union
"I was raised in an underserved community, where I saw firsthand how limited resources and a lack of knowledge can hold people back—especially Black and Brown men. We often face unique challenges in our environment. I could have easily been one of those young men, but I was fortunate to have mentors in my community who helped me navigate those obstacles. Now, if I can make even a small positive impact in the life of these young men, that’s more than enough for me."
Eric Alvarez
Council Member
"I was once a student of color and I now have an interest in helping those students as a professional."
Evert Hendrix
CAO, Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan
"Increasing graduation rates in all communities is critical to our nation and region."
Jose Sabala
VP CRA Officer, Oak Valley Community Bank
"As a VP CRA Officer, my purpose has always centered on creating pathways to opportunity ensuring that every young person, regardless of background, has access to the resources and relationships that help them succeed. Serving as an advisor for Improve Your Tomorrow allows me to live out that mission in a deeply personal and community-driven way."
Katie Malone
Community Health Manager, Sutter Health CV Division
"Sutter Health supports IYT and I believe in the organization and program. It aligns with our focus on workforce development."
Lonita Darraise Cordova
Assistant Superintendent/VP of Student Services, San Joaquin Delta College
"My purpose is to ignite transformational change by educating communities and uniting them through coalition building to create necessary 'good trouble' that dismantles injustice."