Board of Directors
Emilia Villagomez, Board President grew up in Cutler-Orosi were she helped create the Cutler-Orosi Mural Project. After high school she attended UC Santa Cruz where she earned a bachelors degree in Community Studies with an emphasis on Immigration and Social Justice. While attending college Emilia held various volunteer positions in the Santa Cruz community as a mentor/tutor for low-income youth living in a housing co-op, a pro bono immigration lawyer's assistant, and as a raiser for Los Niños (an international community development organization). During college Emilia conducted a six-month ethnographic field study at the Fresno Barrios Unidos Drop-in Reproductive Health Center. After graduation, Emilia returned to Tulare County. She is currently employed by CSET. She is a mentor for the Female Leadership Academy.
Jackie Jones, Board Secretary, is a student and works in Hanford with emotionally disturbed youth. She is an advocate for women’s rights and is a mentor for the Female Leadership Academy. Jackie has participated in community activism on a grassroots level to make change in our community. She currently co-hosts a Feminist Radio talk show in Visalia. She is a volunteer for KFSC 94.1fm Visalia.
Irma Arrollo
Robyn Flores, holds a Masters of Arts Degree in Psychology and is a fellow of the Women’s Foundation of California Leadership Institute and is professionally and personally involved in a broad range of activities that facilitate the improvement of the health and welfare of communities. Robyn has experience working for private foundations as well as government and non-profit service organizations throughout the State of California. She began her career 20 years ago in the Central Valley as Executive Director of a homeless and domestic violence shelter and counseling center in Tulare County. She currently is Grants Development Manager at Kaweah Delta Health Care District. She is the mother of three children. Robyn is one of the founders of ACT and is the Executive Director.
Erin Garner-Ford holds a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies and a Master’s Degree in Leadership and Organizational Studies. Erin interned at Planned Parenthood Shasta– Diablo and the CSU, Chico’s Women Center each for a year during college. She currently co-hosts a Feminist Radio show in Visalia. She is passionate about reproductive justice and women’s rights. Erin is the mother of two children. She is the Coordinator of the Female Leadership Academy.
Sylvia Hanna
Graciela Martinez is the Director of the Farm Labor Program (Proyecto/Campesino), a part of the American Friends Service Committee. She was part of the Civil Rights Movement of the 60’s and joined The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and marchers on the Selma to Montgomery, Alabama march. She is an activist and an organizer and has been for over 30 years. She sits on several other boards including Self-Help Enterprises, Centro La Familia, and El Quinto Sol. She is a graduate of the Great Valley Center ’s leadership project – the Institute for the Development of Emerging Area Leaders – IDEAL. She is the mother of # children and has # grandchildren. She enjoys listening to music. Graciela is one of the founding ACT members.
Denisse Mendez was first introduced to the ACT through an e-mail. She was instantly intrigued and got involved immediately as a mentor for the FLA. Denisse was born in Guadalajara and spent her first five years of life there. She then moved to California. When she got older she volunteered for Health Careers Academy at Golden West High School in Visalia. Currently she is a volunteer for Happy Trails (Equine Therapy Program for disabled youth). She is a COS student and plans to transfer to complete her degree in the Occupational Therapy and Psychology. She is employed by Kaweah Delta.
Lisa Strongin was born and raised in NYC, to parents who strongly believed in the Jewish tradition of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), so she was in a peer-to-peer race and ethnic relations program throughout high school, then went to Washington, DC for her undergraduate degree with an emphasis in government and poetry, and ended up with a law degree from University San Francisco and a career as a Public Defender. She has been involved with community organizations for over 20 years, always focusing on promoting equality for all. Under her leadership, Lesbian and Gay Bands of America became the first LGBT organization to have the honor of an invitation to participate in a Presidential Inaugural when they played on the parade route for President Clinton. After moving to Visalia 1990, she was involved in developing a women's network in response to the existing rule of good ol' boys. Currently, Lisa sits on several other Boards. She was one of the founding ACT members.
Ana Suarez is an graduate of the Female Leadership Academy of 2008. Ana is an active community members who is passionate about an array of issues including LGBT issues and rights. Ana is a talented musician and dancer. Ana is currently attending COS.
Elizabeth Yada is a graduate of the Female Leadership Academy of 2008. Liz is a talented clothing designer. Liz is passionate about women's body image issues. Her clothing line reflects her passion as she designs fashionable clothing for all body shapes and sizes. Each year, Liz's clothing is featured at the Coming Out For Justice Event. Liz is currently a Female Leadership Academy mentor.