It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

David Hernandez is currently Chief Programs Officer at Sunnyvale Community Services, an Emergency Assistance Network (EAN) agency that serves over 11,500 clients annually with comprehensive safety net services that provides emergency financial assistance, intensive case management, and reliable access to nutritious groceries. David joined Sunnyvale Community Services in 2013 as SCS’ first Case Manager, bringing his social work and case management expertise to directly support vulnerable residents. Over the past 12 years, David has helped to grow all of SCS’ safety net services, including the case work and case management teams. He has also been critical to securing new funding for SCS that assists families and seniors who are unhoused or at risk of homelessness. David's extraordinary compassion is matched by his deep understanding of social work practices, program management and community involvement. He brings an innovative approach to social services program design and works collaboratively with the six other EAN agencies throughout Santa Clara County. David also serves on the board of Helping Hands Silicon Valley.

 When not working, David enjoys discovering new cuisines, traveling around the world, gardening, wine tasting and dinners with family.

Tristia is a civil rights attorney who has spent her career advocating for unhoused and marginalized people. As a senior attorney at the National Homelessness Law Center in D.C., Tristia launched the Housing Not Handcuffs Justice Network, which is a national network of attorneys working to end the criminalization of homelessness. Before that, Tristia served as an assistant public defender in Miami-Dade County. Tristia is currently the Legal Director of the Housing Unit at the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley.

A lifelong resident of Gilroy, Debbie brings a deep-rooted commitment to serving the South County community. As a dedicated board member of St. Joseph’s Family Center, she has long championed programs and services that uplift local individuals and families.  Debbie is honored to continue this important work as a board member of South County Community Services, building on a legacy of compassion, collaboration, and community impact. She takes great pride in supporting the mission and services of both organizations, which play a vital role in meeting the needs of South County residents.

Kurt first learned of St. Joseph’s in 2001 when David joined Rotary.  Since then, I have watched it grow as a non-profit serving the needy of Gilroy and the South Santa Clara Valley.  Over the years, I‘ve donated to St. Joseph’s and hoped to do more to help.  When David called and asked if I would be willing to serve on the Board, it was a no brainer.  This is a great opportunity to give back to Gilroy.

Laura brings extensive transformational leadership experience, driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and technology innovation across global markets. As Global Manager & Global Managing Partner for IBM’s Technology Consulting Alliance & Red Hat and California Senior State Executive, she integrates advanced technology into consulting operations while representing IBM in federal and state initiatives.

Laura’s leadership extends to government relations and legislative advocacy, contributing to the passage of the landmark CHIPS Act and guiding critical technology policy. She serves on the boards of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group and Compassion Center and previously founded San Jose’s Talent Task Force with Mayor Chuck Reed.

Throughout her IBM career, Laura has delivered exceptional results by building trusted C-suite relationships and advancing business development through strategic advisory services. A YWCA Lifetime Achievement and Silicon Valley Business Journal Women of Influence honoree, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree from San Jose State University and certifications in AI and talent acquisition.

Rachel retired after working for over 23 years with Silicon Valley technical companies in Human Resources, focused on Talent Acquisition. 

She was a founding member of the Gilroy Compassion Center, where she served as Secretary and Treasurer from 2010 to 2015. Rachel has also served as a Child Advocate for the County of Santa Clara and was a member of the City of Gilroy Housing Advisory Committee.

Rachel holds a B.A. degree in Business and Human Resources from San Jose State University.

Rebecca is a seasoned housing professional with nearly two decades of public sector experience. Since August 2024, she has served as the Director of Housing at the Santa Clara County Housing Authority, following more than nine years as Director of Housing for the City of Morgan Hill.

Her expertise in housing policy, programs, and homelessness solutions spans multiple jurisdictions, including San José, the County of Santa Clara, and Morgan Hill. This breadth of experience has given her a deep understanding of housing challenges and opportunities for systems change to strengthen communities.

During her tenure in Morgan Hill, Rebecca led the city in surpassing its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) goals across all income levels and launched innovative homelessness programs that reshaped the city’s approach. She also played a key role in developing HouseKeys, a platform that modernized Below Market Rate (BMR) housing services across 15 cities—demonstrating her commitment to collaborative, community-centered leadership.

Steve has had two successful and rewarding careers. In his 38-year career with IBM, he worked primarily in marketing and management roles supporting storage and software products.

In his second career, he spent 27 years with the City of Morgan Hill on their Planning Commission, City Council, and twelve years as Mayor, retiring in December 2018. 

Steve is a member of the Rotary Club of Morgan Hill; a Board member of Boys and Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley; and a Board member of Leadership Morgan Hill, where he received their Leadership Excellence Award in 2019.