Laurel Smith Project Coordinator

Laurel joined Valley Vision in August 2022, and serves as Project Coordinator for the Listos California Emergency Preparedness Campaign. She has over 4.5 years of experience working in nonprofit settings dedicated to improving healthy communities in the Sacramento Region. Professional Experience Laurel, a local of the Sacramento region, began her career working in nonprofits following […]

Jessica Lara Project Manager

Jessica joined Valley Vision in 2022 as a Project Manager, supporting the Listos California Emergency Preparedness campaign. Prior to joining Valley Vision, Jessica worked in early childhood education as an administrator in her hometown of Stockton, California.  Professional Experience Jessica began working in the nonprofit sector as a teenage volunteer supporting local  organizations with outreach, […]

Navreet Hundal Project Coordinator

Navreet joined Valley Vision in July 2022 as a Project Associate supporting the Innovation and Infrastructure impact area. In 2024, she was promoted to Project Coordinator. Raised in California’s Central Valley, Navreet’s firsthand experiences taught her the importance of centering community voices in regional decision making, in order to create equitable change. Professional Experience With […]

Kathy Saechou Project Manager

Kathy’s ethnicity is Mien-American, and her family’s history is deeply rooted in Northern Laos. She was born and raised here in Oak Park, Sacramento, and her family, background and community are the core reasons why she chose an educational and career path in planning. Community is a very important aspect in Kathy’s life and is […]

Angelina Olweny Project Coordinator

Angelina joined Valley Vision in 2021 as a Project Associate in the 21st Century Workforce Impact Area. She previously served as an AmeriCorps VISTA in the Sacramento Promise Zone, a Federal place-based initiative that seeks to address inequities in the most distressed areas in urban and rural areas across the nation. Professional Experience Angelina promoted […]

Steven Foster President & CEO Mercy General Hospital

“As a hospital leader, I see every day how the health of our communities is deeply tied to livability—access to care, safe environments, and the opportunity to thrive. Livability is more than a goal; it’s the shared success of the entire community. I’m proud to support Valley Vision’s mission of bringing together diverse partners to define what that success looks like and to build a path forward—together. When we collaborate across sectors, we create healthier, stronger, and more equitable communities for all.”

John Costa Senior Manager of Government Relations & Local Public Affairs Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)

“John’s long history of engagement with government and nonprofits as well as his commitment to healthy and sustainable communities will help Valley Vision support clean and sustainable communities for our region.”

Clay Nutting Owner & Operator Canon Restaurant

“My vision is for Sacramento to be a community that supports independent businesses, local artists, and entrepreneurs through policy, intention, and resources.”

Jeff Dorso Senior Vice President & General Counsel Sacramento Kings

Jeff’s leadership in shaping development in Sacramento as well as his action-oriented mindset will help push Valley Vision towards effective and responsive action that supports the prosperity of our region.

Caitlin Blockus Senior Project Manager

Caitlin joined Valley Vision as a Project Associate in 2021, and has supported both the Workforce Development and Broadband & Digital Equity Impact Areas. Caitlin currently serves as a Senior Project Manager over the Workforce Development impact area. Professional Experience During her undergraduate career, Caitlin worked within the University of California Riverside’s Office of Sustainability, […]

Gina Lujan Armstrong CEO aka The Hunter & Gatherer Hacker Lab

“Valley Vision is not afraid of being uncomfortable. To create change, we need to have uncomfortable conversations to find the truth and be equitable.”

Erica Taylor Vice President, Communications and Community Relations Golden 1 Credit Union

Erica Taylor is an active civic leader supporting a wide array of community improvement initiatives across the region, her Board role supports Valley Vision’s leadership to advance prosperity, equity, and sustainability.