INVEST LOCAL

ELEMENTARY COORDINATOR

“Growing up, I was surrounded by support that reminded me I could achieve anything I set my mind to, regardless of the socioeconomic hardships I faced due to my background. That belief shaped who I am today, and it's why I’m so passionate about working with kids who share similar experiences. Through the programs we run, I hope to be that source of encouragement and inspiration for them, showing them that their dreams are within reach and their potential is limitless.”

-Sarah

Connection to our Neighborhood of Focus: Sarah has many family members in the Capistrano Villas. She grew up spending weekends and holidays here.

CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“One thing has become increasingly clearer to me over four decades of living out my faith: God takes personally what happens in the places that have been disinvested, overlooked, marginalized or disparaged. In Scripture, God is repeatedly identifying Godself in that social location. So for me, working here is both a professional privilege and a personal joy that draws me nearer to Christ.”

-Heather

Connection to our Neighborhood of Focus: Heather lives a 5 minute walk from the Capistrano Villas and shares school zones and voting districts with the Capistrano Villas.

CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“For me, the best job in the world is the one with an amazing team. Here, I get to work with an amazing staff and also know that dozens of volunteers, dozens of donors and hundreds of neighbors are all working together toward a common goal.”

-John

Connection to our Neighborhood of Focus: John lives a 5 minute walk from the Capistrano Villas and shares school zones and voting districts with the Capistrano Villas.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

“A highlight this year was helping many of our neighbors get medical coverage, especially those neighbors who have chronic health conditions that they have not been able to address. The endless phone calls and working with multiple partner agencies paid off one by one in the smile of a neighbor when they finally got health coverage. We can’t close all of the gaps for our neighbors but it is incredibly rewarding in those moments when we can close one. Those moments restore hope and remind people they’re not alone.”

-Luz

Connection to our Neighborhood of Focus: Luz grew up in the Capistrano Villas. Now she lives a 5 minute walk from the neighborhood.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

“Now more than ever, our work is about walking alongside our neighbors in moments of uncertainty, offering guidance and support, and finding strength in shared vulnerability. It’s in these moments—the messy, beautiful, and mundane—that a flourishing community is built.
(And the paycheck is cool too)”

-Ester

Connection to our Neighborhood of Focus: Ester has lived in the Capistrano Villas her whole life.

DIRECTOR OF YOUTH PROGRAMMING

“My greatest joy to work in Unidos is that I get to impact lives of the youth in different ways. Growing up with many hardships in an under-resourced community, I didn’t have an adult that I could look up to or be there to support me. I want to be for the youth the positive role model I didn’t have growing up.”

-Maritza.

Connection to our Neighborhood of Focus: Maritza moved to the Capistrano Villas in 2021 after living in San Clemente, in Mexico, and in Dana Point.

DIRECTOR OF ADULT PROGRAMMING

“I’ve lived the challenges that under-resourced communities face, so I understand the struggles firsthand. That’s why I’m passionate about creating spaces where people feel heard and supported. It’s about coming together to find real solutions that make a lasting difference for everyone in the community.”

-Miriam

Connection to our Neighborhood of Focus: Miriam has lived in the Capistrano Villas since she was a very little girl.