Board of Directors

Silvia Paz, President

Silvia Paz attended public schools in the Coachella Valley, where she was taught the value of leadership, determination and community. She believes that strong communities make strong schools, and this is why her involvement in community development is a thread that follows her entire career. As a high school student she helped organize and lead a series of events that influenced the decision of community leaders to, among other things, build the first health clinic in the rural community of Mecca.

Gina Chapa, Vice-President

Ms. Gina Chapa was raised in the farm community of Thermal, California. She has worked in the non-profit sector in community health and rehabilitation programs. She is currently working   toward her Masters Degree in Public Health, and is focused on anticipating the future public health needs in the Eastern Coachella Valley.

Sister Gabriella Williams, Treasurer

Sister’s broad community work experience includes her work in the Missions in the interior of Misiones, Argentina, where she spent 12 years among the many peoples and cultures of that region.  Her educational background enabled her to teach at the SOS Aldea de Ninos orphanage for three years in Obera, Misiones, and nine years among the poorest of the poor of Obera in the areas of housing, health, and safety. Her current work in the eastern Coachella Valley includes an extensive outreach and organizing effort in the local mobile home park community, particularly in the Duroville mobile home park in Oasis.

Daniel Torres, Member at Large

Mr. Torres is a former farm worker. His life experience has inspired him to become an active member of the community. His volunteer work experience includes involvement as a Promotor with Poder Popular, a community outreach program tasked with teaching empowerment skills to farm workers based on the community organizing model of famed Brazilian organizer Paolo Fiero. He is actively involved with food distribution programs and acts as a natural liaison between community members and non-profit providers and public institutions.

Christian Paiz, Member at Large

Mr. Paiz has emerged as a new advocate for farm worker and low-income families. His roots have enabled him to understand the need for education and community development opportunities in the eastern Coachella.