About Us
At ACTION we provide mission-driven start-ups the guidance needed to address complex community problems and create social equity change.
Unfortunately, we are not accepting new applications for fiscal sponsorship at this time.
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
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- Dr. Kathleen Rose, Salinas, retired higher education president – Past-President
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- Rosemary Soto, Salinas, philanthropy program officer – President
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- Maddison Burton, Marina, human resources administrator – Vice-President
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- Rich Hamilton, Carmel Valley, retired non-profit administrator – Treasurer
- Rich Hamilton, Carmel Valley, retired non-profit administrator – Treasurer
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- Judy Sulsona, Carmel Valley, non-profit organization management consultant – Secretary
Members
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- Dr. Seblewongel Ayalew, Monterey, higher education administrator
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- Juan Zavala, Salinas, employee benefits broker
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- Patterson Emesibe, Marina, organizer and higher education leader
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- Yadira Hobby, Salinas, philanthropy director
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- Dr. Gabriel Lopez, Soledad, higher education program director
Staff
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- Andrea Manzo – Executive Director
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- John Abrahamson – Chief Finance and Operations Officer
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- Naomy Bolaños – Administrative Manager
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- Maria Vera – Manager of Organizational Culture
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- César Mora – Executive Assistant