About Us
At ACTION we provide mission-driven start-ups the guidance needed to address complex community problems and create social equity change.
While the Central Coast offers significant beauty and rich soil, our community remains overwhelmed by persistent social challenges.
ACTION inspires social change by lending our passion, expertise, leadership and resources to bring bold ideas for community transformation to life.
Mission: Empower people to transform their communities in Monterey County and beyond.
Our Approach: We believe that to achieve social equity, we must take a collaborative, action-oriented approach to our work.
Our Story
Over the past twenty-plus years, ACTION has sponsored more than seventy projects and incubated several dozen programs and initiatives within Monterey County and beyond. We look for innovative ideas that can help strengthen our community by responding to emerging or ongoing needs. As our name indicates, we cultivate ideas and take the necessary ACTION to find solutions.
Meet Our Team
Board of Directors
Officers
- Dr. Kathleen Rose, Salinas, retired higher education president – President
- Judy Sulsona, Carmel Valley, non-profit organization management consultant – Vice President
- Dr. Brian Corpening, Marina, higher education administrator – Treasurer
- Fran Mosher, Salinas, retired human resources director – Secretary
Members
- Dr. Seblewongel Ayalew, Monterey, higher education administrator
- Maddison Burton, Marina, human resources administrator
- Patterson Emesibe, Marina, organizer and higher education leader
- Yadira Hobby, Salinas, philanthropy director
- Pat Herro, Carmel Valley, retired occupational therapist
- Annabelle Rodriguez, Santa Cruz, higher education administrator
- Rosemary Soto, Salinas, philanthropy program officer
Staff
- Andrea Manzo – Executive Director [email protected]
- Melissa Mairose – Finance Director [email protected]
- Naomy Bolanos – Administrative Manager [email protected]
- Maria Vera – Office Manager [email protected]
- Thu Nguyen – Finance Administrative Coordinator [email protected]