{"id":482851,"date":"2026-10-02T15:18:15","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T15:18:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/482851\/"},"modified":"2026-10-02T15:18:15","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T15:18:15","slug":"the-60-diverse-leaders-changing-sacramento-and-beyond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/482851\/","title":{"rendered":"The 60 diverse leaders changing Sacramento and beyond"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Sacramento Bee and Nehemiah Leaders Programs\u2019<\/a> Change Makers class of 2026<\/a> includes leaders in community organization, education, arts and entertainment, entrepreneurship, law, medicine and healthcare, science, politics, nonprofit leadership and activism.<\/p>\n

Here are snapshots of all 60 in no particular order, with links to their longer profiles. We\u2019ll celebrate this diverse group at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the Sheraton Grand hotel in downtown Sacramento. Buy your tickets or sponsor the event at sacramentochangemakers.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Brandon Gonzales calls boxing the \u201cgreatest analogy for life\u201d<\/a> and uses that perspective to mentor Sacramento youth. His work shows how discipline, resilience and encouragement can help young people find their footing.<\/p>\n

Joy Gonzales-Cabatic sees an opportunity to help and acts on it. Her story celebrates the everyday choices<\/a> that strengthen a community: noticing a need, lending a hand and making a difference.<\/p>\n

Gloria Partida sees the connections between issues and works toward solutions in Davis<\/a>. Her approach is a reminder that lasting progress often requires understanding how community challenges intersect.<\/p>\n

Anthony Uribe is \u201calways getting involved\u201d \u2014 turning concern into action and participation into progress<\/a>. Communities move forward when people are willing to step up and help shape what comes next.<\/p>\n

For Maria Baptista Soria, golf is more than a game \u2014 it\u2019s a business, a bridge and a way to bring people together. Her story highlights the power of relationships<\/a> and connection in building opportunity.<\/p>\n

Amagda P\u00e9rez advocates for immigrants and farmworkers with kindness, respect and determination. Her work demonstrates how compassion and persistence<\/a> can help create a more inclusive Sacramento.<\/p>\n

Monica Jimenez is building awareness, care and community around a rare neurodevelopmental disorder<\/a>. Her advocacy reflects the power of turning a personal challenge into connection and support for others.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are also leaders.\u201d Jag Nagendra is challenging stereotypes by encouraging greater participation<\/a> and visibility in the community. Leadership grows stronger when more people see themselves represented in it.<\/p>\n

Following his parents\u2019 example, Adonai Mack is investing in Sacramento\u2019s youngest learners<\/a>. Supporting children early means helping build stronger families, schools and communities for years to come.<\/p>\n

Simon Yeh chose purpose over a traditional corporate path<\/a>, finding fulfillment in serving neighbors at a food closet. His example shows that meaningful work is often measured by impact, not status.<\/p>\n

Following her mother\u2019s advice, Elizabeth Esquivel gives her time to advocate for local businesses<\/a>. Her story shows how mentorship and volunteer service can strengthen the economic fabric of a community.<\/p>\n

Ashley Randolph transformed personal struggles into hope and support for Black families navigating premature births. Her story is a powerful reminder that lived experience can become a catalyst<\/a> for meaningful community change.<\/p>\n

Lora Anguay is working toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for Sacramento. Her story highlights the local leaders helping communities address one of the defining challenges of our time.<\/p>\n

As a psychologist and advocate, Tristan Buzzini aspires to be a healing presence for others<\/a>. His work underscores the importance of mental health care, empathy and showing up for people in difficult moments.<\/p>\n

Yating Campbell is guided by a simple but powerful goal: to leave the world better than she found it. Her story celebrates service, responsibility and the long-term impact<\/a> of consistent community work.<\/p>\n

For Anica Walls, fair wages and good working conditions are \u201cbread and butter issues.\u201d<\/a> Her advocacy puts economic dignity and workers\u2019 rights at the center of community progress.<\/p>\n

For Margarita Berta-\u00c1vila, teaching is a political act<\/a> \u2014 one that helps students understand their voice, their history and their power to shape the future.<\/p>\n

Jenny Rodriquez is focused on creating a \u201cwin-win\u201d for Sacramento\u2019s small businesses and professionals<\/a>. Her work demonstrates how strong networks can help local entrepreneurs grow and thrive.<\/p>\n

When a Sacramento State student gets into their dream graduate school, they often call Aniesha Mitchell<\/a> to share the news. When a student is experiencing a mental health crisis, Mitchell leads the school\u2019s care response.<\/p>\n

Shelton Yip doesn\u2019t claim to have every answer. Instead, he sees his role as connecting people, ideas and resources<\/a> \u2014 proving that collaboration is often one of the most effective forms of leadership.<\/p>\n

Farmworker advocacy has always been part of Ramona Landeros\u2019 life. Her work reflects a deep commitment<\/a> to standing with the people whose labor sustains communities across California.<\/p>\n

At Todo Un Poco, Marie Mertz has created more than an Elk Grove restaurant \u2014 she\u2019s built a gathering place rooted in community<\/a>. Her story shows how small businesses can become important parts of neighborhood life.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoy can disrupt trauma.\u201d Ashley Faison-Maddox is building support for survivors of human trafficking<\/a> while creating space for healing, dignity and hope.<\/p>\n

Adeyemi Ritchards found an unconventional path into the technology industry \u2014 and is working to keep that path open for others<\/a>. His story highlights the importance of access, mentorship and creating opportunities beyond traditional routes.<\/p>\n

Maryann Lansangan takes care of \u201cthe people who take care of the people.\u201d Her work recognizes the essential role of caregivers<\/a> and the importance of supporting those who support everyone else.<\/p>\n

From Washington, D.C., to Elk Grove, Sergio Robles has continued looking for meaningful ways to serve his community<\/a>. His story is a reminder that public service can take many forms \u2014 wherever opportunity calls.<\/p>\n

At just 29, Germ\u00e1n Ayon is quietly reshaping how Sacramento cares for older adults<\/a>. His story demonstrates that innovation in caregiving can make communities more compassionate, connected and responsive.<\/p>\n

Derrell Roberts created a family center focused on safety and community. His work shows how welcoming spaces can provide more than services<\/a> \u2014 they can give families stability, belonging and support.<\/p>\n

Tish Becerra believes acts of service can change the world. Her example is a reminder that meaningful progress often begins with ordinary people<\/a> choosing to help, participate and lead by example.<\/p>\n

Lauren Oto is advocating for Sacramento\u2019s small businesses while working to broaden diversity in leadership. Her story highlights the connection between a strong local economy<\/a> and inclusive representation.<\/p>\n

Childhood radio memories helped lead Angie Balderas toward community engagement. Her story shows how early inspiration can grow into a lifelong commitment<\/a> to connecting with and serving others.<\/p>\n

Steve Martinez is guided by a simple belief: \u201cOur children deserve the best.\u201d His work reflects the importance of investing in young people<\/a> and creating the support they need to thrive.<\/p>\n

Toni Hoang believes leadership comes with a responsibility to open doors for others<\/a>. Her story shows how mentorship, opportunity and a commitment to fairness can help create a more inclusive future.<\/p>\n

As a serviceman himself, Timothy Swaney found connection by helping fellow military veterans<\/a>. His story highlights the importance of community, shared experience and making sure those who served do not have to navigate life alone.<\/p>\n

Lilly Cortes-Wyatt is telling the story of a \u201cfully bicultural\u201d Sacramento<\/a> \u2014 a community shaped by multiple identities, experiences and traditions. Her work highlights the power of storytelling to help people feel seen and connected.<\/p>\n

Dr. Rolando Figueroa Roberto has dedicated his career to caring for others. His story is a reminder that healthcare is not only about treatment<\/a> \u2014 it\u2019s also about compassion, trust and showing up for people when they need it most.<\/p>\n

Cultural practice is in Diana Almendariz\u2019s passion and lineage. For generations, her family has been tending to the land and their community. Almendariz keeps Indigenous traditions alive<\/a> through civic education and collaboration.<\/p>\n

Clarissa Laguardia wanted to make language services more accessible to everyone<\/a>. To do so, she founded Laguardia Translation, a language service agency which offers translation, interpretation and cultural consulting services to the Sacramento region in more than 100 languages.<\/p>\n

Growing up in Rohnert Park, Zaire Harris joined \u201cevery girls\u2019 math and science program you could imagine,\u201d on the belief that one day she\u2019d become a veterinarian. It was a college instructor who urged Harris to switch from medicine to a political science track and Harris has pursued work in policy and advocacy<\/a> ever since.<\/p>\n

Annette Reed believes everyone has a gift. For her, it\u2019s teaching. Reed\u2019s journey to higher education started<\/a> when she was 19 years old. After serving in the last class of the Women\u2019s Army Corps, Reed enrolled at San Francisco City College. She went on to become one of the first Native women to earn a PhD at the University of California.<\/p>\n

Looking back, Renatto Guerra points to the mentorship he received in high school for sparking his interest in supporting young men as they pursue college. When Guerra learned about Improve Your Tomorrow, he saw it as an opportunity to \u201cpay it forward\u201d<\/a> by providing other young men with the kind of support he had received.<\/p>\n

Tiyesha Watts is in love with public policy and the change that comes with it<\/a>. \u201cIt allows me to create solutions for constituents that have my same background I grew up (in).\u201d As an adjunct political science professor at Sierra College, she has advocated for policy initiatives for education, public safety and housing for the California Community Colleges.<\/p>\n

Wendy Aguilar knows the value of a good story<\/a>. Soon after emigrating from Guatemala at the age of 10, Aguilar saw the importance of up-to-date news during the aftermath of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. That inspired her to pursue journalism and work for a few years as a broadcast reporter \u2014 including in Sacramento. Eventually, she pivoted to public relations for government agencies.<\/p>\n

Larry Lee grew up with The Sacramento Observer<\/a>. The African American newspaper has served Sacramento since 1962, winning more than 700 local and national awards. It\u2019s also a family business. Lee has photos of himself at around 6 years old, working in the newsroom that his father, William Lee co-founded.<\/p>\n

Eugenia \u201cGina\u201d Richardson came from humble beginnings. She was raised by a single mother and started working at the age of 12, selling candy bars. After working job after job in her teenage years, she found a passion for financial coaching<\/a>. \u201cMoney is the most emotional thing that we deal with,\u201d Richardson said, \u201cSo I wanted to help people balance that emotion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Zenja Watkins was working late at the hospital on Independence Day one year. In the middle of the night, she delivered a baby. Just then, fireworks went off. It felt reflective of the joy she finds in her work<\/a> in obstetrics and gynecology. It is mostly, she said, a \u201cvery happy specialty, where good things are happening.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tak Allen was always taught to give back to her community. Allen grew up in Sacramento as one of seven children, but when her father developed a drug addiction, she said the community wasn\u2019t there for her family. So as an adult and a mother of five, Allen has made it her mission to change the way a community responds<\/a> to young people in need.<\/p>\n

JaNay Brown-Wood has published 32 books and counting. It\u2019s an impressive body of work for any author \u2014 not to mention one who once disliked reading<\/a>. Brown-Wood has come to understand her childhood aversion in a new light. Her goal is to help every child find themselves in the pages of a book.<\/p>\n

Lisa Hafoka moved to Sacramento in 1996 from Auckland, New Zealand, and in her day job works as an analyst for the California Parks and Recreation Department. She is also president of TOFA, an organization that serves youth leaders of the Pacific<\/a>. That includes teaching children financial literacy, career development, civic engagement and cultural arts.<\/p>\n

Sam Starks said he can\u2019t walk into a room without thinking about how to empower his community and other marginalized groups. Starks brought the notion of solidarity and community to the nonprofit organization MLK365, which Starks founded and currently serves as executive director<\/a>. The nonprofit honors the mission of Martin Luther King Jr. year-round.<\/p>\n

Michaela Edwards had ambitious goals, including becoming a United Nations ambassador<\/a>, because she had always wanted to \u201cchange the world.\u201d Spending one year of AmeriCorps service as a mentor altered her path slightly, but not by much.<\/p>\n

Dr. Olivia Kasirye\u2019s passion for public health<\/a> began during her medical training in Uganda. During pediatrics rotations, she was required to do home health visits of patients. In some of the areas, communicable diseases were a major concern. Kasirye realized treating the individual in the clinic was not enough.<\/p>\n

Shana Henry sees opportunity in every student she meets<\/a>. She first got involved with education working as a substitute teacher in the Del Paso Heights neighborhood. She then became a teacher in the Sacramento City Unified School District, and later, a principal before moving to the Elk Grove Unified School District.<\/p>\n

Nilda Valmores has changed lives by investing in women\u2019s and children\u2019s health. For 18 years, Valmores served as the executive director of My Sister\u2019s House<\/a>, an organization that assists Asian and Pacific Islander women affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.<\/p>\n

Dr. Jennifer Overbey has played a key role in establishing Methodist Hospital of Sacramento\u2019s obstetrics emergency department<\/a> \u2014 the first in the region for the health system, Common Spirit \u2014 where anyone 14 weeks pregnant or more, with a pregnancy-related concern, can be seen right away.<\/p>\n

Jenny Tan guided Yolo County through the pandemic<\/a>, showing a commitment to service without realizing that her work during that time, including her videos, was making her a bit of a local celebrity.<\/p>\n

Malissa Tayaba\u2019s work for the past decade has focused on one word, culture. Now, she is bringing back her community\u2019s traditions, history and sovereignty so they won\u2019t be nearly lost again<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Cirian Villavicencio wants his students at San Joaquin Delta College to come away from the classroom as engaged citizens who use their voices<\/a> to amplify their communities\u2019 needs.<\/p>\n

Giselle Garcia made a commitment early on to continuing her pursuit of education. In college, she started working with immigrants and from there developed a commitment to the immigrant community<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Carolyn Veal-Hunter always understood the importance of showing up and fighting for her community<\/a>. Her role as a lobbyist has provided her a means to advocate for groups and interests that have made a direct impact on the daily lives of Californians.<\/p>\n

Related Stories from Sacramento Bee<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Sacramento Bee and Nehemiah Leaders Programs\u2019 Change Makers class of 2026 includes leaders in community organization, education,…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":482852,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[121,123,122],"class_list":["post-482851","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sacramento","tag-sacramento","tag-sacramento-headlines","tag-sacramento-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/482851","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=482851"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/482851\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/482852"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=482851"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=482851"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=482851"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}