DWMC 2025 BOARD
&
Monthly Board Meeting Information

Executive Board

KIM BARBER, Ph.D.
PRESIDENT

Monterey

Kim Brown Barber, Ph.D. is a successful businesswoman, the first African American woman on the Monterey City Council, District 1, and a longtime educational leader with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. As an advocate for university students and women leadership, her passion and commitment over the last ten years has focused on several areas including: increasing diversity, closing the achievement gap, student success, academic excellence, preparation and motivation. Additionally, she has published a chapter in “Teaching through Challenges for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” Her constant perseverance and dedication led her to be appointed by former Governor of Kentucky Steve Beshear to the Diversity Committee for The Council for Postsecondary Education and the Strategic Planning Committee for The Council for Postsecondary Education for the state of Kentucky.

As the Director of Pre-College and Early Outreach Support Programs at California State University Monterey Bay, Dr. Brown Barber continues to enhance diversity and inclusion for underrepresented students and afford them the opportunity to achieve success at every academic level.

She received a Bachelor’s degree from Hampton University, a Master’s degree from the University of Maryland, and a Doctorate degree with a focus on Public Policy and Social Change from Union Institute and University.

Today as the CEO and Founder of Journey To Becoming, Dr. Brown Barber aims to inspire thought leaders, change agents, and “becomers” on a global scale to live fulfilled purpose driven lives.

Frederica Jones
Vice President

Del Rey Oaks

Frederica Jones retired in 2017 after a 30-year career as a Probation Officer, concluding her service as a Probation Service Manager with the Monterey County Superior Court Investigations Unit. 

From 2019 to 2020, she served as Campaign Manager for the Del Rey Oaks Mayor. Since 2020, Frederica has served as  an Administrative Hearing Officer for the City of Del Rey Oaks.

A lifelong public servant in her community, Frederica is committed to enriching her community and has served on several community-based organizations, including the Monterey Bay Chapter of The Links Incorporated where she served as 2nd Vice President.  She  joined the Democratic Women of Monterey County and began volunteering on the Programs Committee.  Frederica joined The Salvation Army Monterey Corp Advisory Board and co-chairs the Red Kettle Kickoff Committee. She  also serves on the Board of the Housing Resource Center of Monterey County and presently serves as  Vice President.

AMY STOCKER
TREASURER

MONTEREY

Amy Stocker is a skilled finance and accounting professional with over 35 years of experience, currently serving as the Vice President of Finance for the Naval Postgraduate School Foundation. In this capacity, Amy oversees complex financial operations, ensuring the organization's fiscal health and strategic financial planning align with its mission.

After obtaining her license as a Certified Public Accountant, she served as an audit and tax senior for Deloitte & Touche LLP. She has worked as a private consultant in the agriculture industry and was the CFO for Harbinger Group LLC, a local produce company and Regional Controller for C.H. Robinson, a global transportation company out of Eden Prairie, Minnesota. In 2017, she received an MBA at Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey with a concentration in Social Enterprise and Finance. After graduating from Middlebury, Amy has worked with various nonprofit organizations in Monterey County including United Way of Monterey County and Gathering for Women.

Passionate about community service, Amy has contributed significantly to various nonprofit organizations and local initiatives, including her role as representative for the City of Monterey Neighborhood and Community Improvement Committee, member of the Rotary Club of Monterey and Monterey County Civil Grand Jury.

LISA ZISKA-MARCHAND, Ed.D.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY

MARINA

Lisa Ziska-Marchand, Ed.D. is a civically engaged social justice professional whose career of over 30 years includes organizations that foster social support, education, advocacy, and upward mobility. She is an empathetic and compassionate coach whose mission is to push back on systematic boundaries and question the limiting beliefs – steeped within those boundaries – that we allow to have so much authority over our lives. Dr. Ziska-Marchand believes that when you don’t see how the system fails you, you tend to blame yourself rather than work for change.

Dr. Ziska-Marchand started her career as a social worker providing direct care services in community mental health and crisis intervention assessment. Throughout her career, she has sought out organizations that fuel her passion for civic engagement and advancing equity for women and people of color. She has worked in fundraising for higher education, advocacy and reproductive healthcare organizations; served her community as a member of the Commission on the Status of Women, Monterey County, as a Board member for the Democratic Women, Monterey County and is currently on the Board of the Housing Resource Center in Monterey county, serving the housing insecure in her community.

Isaura Arreguin
SECRETARY

Salinas

Isaura Arreguin was born and raised in Michoacán Mexico, at the age of 17; she migrated to California and learned English in just one year! Isaura obtained a Bachelors of Science in Sociology from Grand Canyon University while raising her daughters, being a professional, working full time and being a wife. One of her biggest passions is to mentor, empower and advocate for young Latinas to achieve their professional and personal goals and be a bridge for their success. Isaura has collaborated with programs like Mujeres en Accion, Girls Inc, Monterey County Migrant Ed, Alisal Union School District, Monterey County Adult Schools and the Salinas Valley in the development of educational programs and opportunities for underrepresented students and their families. She currently works at Creative Commons, a non profit organization and international network devoted to educational access and expanding the range of creative works available for others to build upon legally and to share. Isaura believes opportunities are endless for those that have “ganas” and are focused on their goals, therefore her desire to give back to the community and be a resource and support to others. She has been a National Board Member at Latina Professionals for the past three years and has been currently selected as President of the CA Central Valley Chapter. Isaura is married and lives with her husband and two daughters in Salinas California. Isaura loves to travel, learn about new cultures and meet people from all over the world, when she travels she is passionate to embrace the Mexican culture, she is very proud to be Mexicana.

Lisa Berkley, Ph.D.
IMMEDIATE PAST President

Marina

Dr. Lisa A. Berkley’s life’s work is dedicated to how we thrive, as individuals and society.  She is faculty at the University of California, Santa Cruz where she is the Founding Director of Crown College’s Resiliency and Well-Being Program and co-Founder of the Center for Applied Values and Ethics in Advancing Technology (CAVEAT). Dr. Berkley is President of the Institute for Inner Economy. She is also the President of Women In International Security, US West Coast Region (WIISWest) and serves on the Board of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte.

Dr. Berkley is a former elected Councilmember and former Vice-Chair of the Planning Commissioner in her former home city of Marina, California where she served on a number of County and State boards and organizations.

With more than 30 years teaching and working in individual and community holistic well-being, Lisa’s unique background as a policy advisor, peace facilitator, healer, and activist spans across four continents and stems from more than 25 years of experience in wholistic health and education, stress management, meditation, interpersonal conflict resolution and terrorism studies. She is certified in different modalities of mind-body healing as well as holds a B.A. in Environmental Science and Economics, an M.A. in International Policy, focusing on Counterterrorism and Transitional Justice, an M.A. in Leadership and Change, and a PhD in Leadership and Change. Dr. Berkley co-authored the book, Women and Leadership Around the World, Vol. III (Information Age Publishing, 2015) and recently she co-edited and co-authored Leadership at the Spiritual Edge: Emerging and Non-Western Concepts of Leadership and Spirituality (Routledge, 2024).

General Board

Monica Andrade

Soledad

Monica Andrade was born and raised in Salinas. She is the eldest of 5 children and first generation of immigrant parents originally from Guanajuato, Mexico.

Monica proudly served in the US Army and completed one tour to Iraq. It was through her military service she understood the impact and importance of being involved in current political affairs and social justice issues.

She is married with 3 children. It is not easy to be a full-time working mom while being in the forefront of advocacy for social justice and equality, but she makes it work.

Monica has found purpose in creating safe environments for her children and the families she represents. Education, understanding social issues, advocacy for equality, and family are at the forefront of her daily work. Monica is Parent Educator for Door to Hope, a non-profit organization centered in providing direct services to underserved communities.  In her time off, Monica is actively working directly to serve and represent the South Monterey County communities.

She serves as an Alternate for Rep. Zoe Logren in the MCDCC and is the Treasurer for Salinas LULAC #2055. She joined the DWMC board in 2021 and is ready to continue the work to bring social equity from the lens and perspective of the underserved communities she grew up in.

RITA BURKS

SEASIDE

Rita Burks is a dedicated TK-8th grade Dual Immersion School principal, overseeing the education and development of over 400 students. A mother of three and proud Southern California native, Rita is celebrated for her transformative leadership and commitment to equity in education.

Rita earned her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from San Diego State University. She continued her education by obtaining a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Cal State Teach Monterey Bay and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Concordia University Irvine.

In her role as principal, Rita has implemented innovative systems to foster student achievement, equity, and a positive school climate. Her exceptional contributions earned her the prestigious title of 2023 Elementary School Principal of the Year for Monterey Region by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA).

Beyond education, Rita made history as the first Latina to serve on the Seaside City Council. She is passionate about building a thriving community through improved city infrastructure, public safety, and economic development.

A proponent of collaborative leadership, Rita empowers students, staff, and community members to achieve their highest potential through innovation and inclusivity. She serves as a mentor for aspiring Latina leaders in education and public service and is a proud member of the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA).

Rita is committed to expanding Dual Immersion programs statewide and advocating for equitable access to quality education for underserved communities. In her free time, she enjoys hiking California’s

LEIGH CAMBRA

MONTEREY

Leigh Cambra is a high school Health teacher at Carmel High School. She is the club advisor and founder of This Club Saves Lives, a club committed to improving lives locally and globally while supporting the passions of the high school students in the club. Leigh was the 2021 CAHPERD Health Teacher of the Year and a recipient of the 2019 CTA Human Rights Award. She serves on the California Teachers Association State Council as a member of the Communications committee and was an inaugural member of the CTA Women’s Rights Committee. Leigh currently serves as the vice president of the Association of Carmel Teachers and the vice chair for CTA’s Central Coast Service Center. 

ROSALYN GREEN

SEASIDE

For more than 35 years, Seaside native Rosalyn Green has been an activist, advocate, and organizer working to end systemic racism, anti-blackness, and gender inequities. As part of the Seaside Faith-Based Community, she has been unrelenting in building partnerships and pooling resources to strengthen community and decrease economic disparities; to these ends, she founded the Monterey County Black Caucus and co-founded the Monterey County Black and Brown Solidarity Coalition. She serves as Building Healthy Communities (BHC) Director of Regional Black Power Building and Justice Reinvestment.

She was appointed by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors as District 4 Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights Commissioner and as an uncontested candidate to serve as Monterey Peninsula College District Trustee where she currently serves as Chair. Ms. Green is deeply invested in capacity building, youth support, leadership development, and public policy initiatives. She is Vice-Chair of the California Community College Black Caucus, Executive Education Chair for NAACP Monterey County, and is a member of several Statewide Coalitions for Education and Anti-Blackness. She also organized The Village Project, Inc., Parent Advisory Council, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) African American Parent Advisory Council and SUHSD African American Advisory Council. And she is the Board Chair of Ladies First, a mentoring program for “Girls of Color”. 

NICOLE GRUMMONS

SALINAS

I was born and raised in Salinas, California. I was very fortunate to grow up in a very supportive household. I started playing softball when I was 5 years old and by the time I was 11 my parents were devoting nearly every weekend to my travel softball team, Salinas Storm. When my dad wasn’t busy with his construction business, he used his free time to not only coach my teams, but also helped build the Salinas Softball Complex and Storm House, a fact that I am extremely proud of to this day. Unfortunately, my dad passed away in 2014 but I try to honor his legacy of community service by doing things like donating blood and fostering dogs.

After college, I found myself working in a restaurant as a summer job. However, I quickly fell in love with the fast paced environment and dove into learning all aspects of the industry. After about 15 years of being a front-facing restaurant professional, last year I decided to take an opportunity to learn some new skills as part of the marketing team. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, baking, spending time with my dogs and traveling with my partner.

JULIE A. GUEST

Carmel

Julie Guest is a new resident of the Monterey Peninsula community retiring to the area with her husband to be closer to their grandchildren.

 She has always been actively involved in making a difference through various volunteer and leadership opportunities.

She continues to serve on the Board of Directors of The People Concern which provides permanent supportive housing, physical and mental health care, substance abuse and domestic violence services throughout the county of Los Angeles. Serving as the Board Chair for three terms (2014-2017), she led the merger of OPCC and Lamp Community. The agency was re-namedThe People Concern following completion of the merger. Together these agencies have provided over 80 years of service to thecommunity’s most vulnerable neighbors with a 93% effective rate of retained housing.

Julie has also been an active member of the Junior League of Los Angeles (JLLA), a leadership training organization committed to “Women Building Better Communities.” With three decades of volunteer service with JLLA, she has served in several boardpositions including as President. In May 2021, she was recognized as the League’s “Spirit of Voluntarism Honoree” for her extensive service to the community and within the League. She is now a member of the Junior League of Monterey County.

 Her professional resume additionally includes four years as Director of Volunteer Services for SoCal South Bay Congresswoman Jane Harman (CA-36) and the congresswoman’s statewide gubernatorial campaign in 1998. 

Julie graduated from Duke University with an AB in public policy studies.

Annalisa Mitchell

Seaside

Annalisa Mitchell, a third-generation Seaside resident, lives by Martin Luther King Jr.'s principle that "our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter." As Regional Director of the "Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment" Program within the California Department of Corrections, she champions social justice and equality for those affected by addiction, trauma, and incarceration.

Mitchell's extensive community leadership includes serving as NAACP Vice President of Monterey County (2018-2020), California Democratic Party Liaison (2008-2015), and running for Seaside City Council (2010). She organized "Hands Across Seaside" and was named Monterey County Outstanding Woman of the Year (1995). Recent honors include Ms. Juneteenth 2024 and Monterey County Woman of the Year for Assembly District 30.

Currently, she serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors for Hamilton Ellis & Martin Plaza and Executive Director of "Ladies First," a mentoring program for adolescent girls. She's active in the Monterey County Black Caucus and Links Incorporated, and founded Seaside's Broadway Stars.

Her extensive education includes degrees in Criminal Justice, Child Development, Administration of Justice, and Dental Technology. She's also a Licensed Advanced Alcohol & Drug Specialist and Master Level Addiction Specialist.

As a woman of faith, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Mitchell's dedication has earned recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives, Senate, and numerous state and local organizations. She remains committed to building healthier communities through voter registration and social activism, believing "We are Better together."

MARIA RABAIN

PACIFIC GROVE

Maria Rabaino is a marketing and community engagement professional based in Pacific Grove, CA. Since moving to the Monterey Peninsula in 2014 and settling inPacific Grove in 2021, Maria has focused on using digital media to connect communities and elevate voices. Her career began with helping to launch the Rollettes, where she developed essential digital marketing skills that helped the team thrive. 

Currently, as the outreach coordinator for Boundless Babe Society, Maria empowers disabled women through an online mentorship program, creating a sense of belonging and support for those navigating life with a disability and strengthening community bonds through social media and virtual workshops. 

Maria has also worked with the Veterans Transition Center and on Jonathan Ahmadi’s campaign, combining digital strategy with advocacy to increase engagement. Her work included running impactful social media campaigns, digital ads, web content, and developing outreach materials that strengthened community support for unhoused and formerly incarcerated veterans and built voter confidence in local leadership. 

She holds certifications in Nonprofit Essentials, Marketing Essentials, FundraisingEssentials, and Grant Seeking Essentials from NonprofitReady.org. Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering, shopping locally, and attending community theater productions. Maria is driven by a strong desire to support causes that make a meaningful impact, especially for those who are often overlooked or underrepresented.

RENÉ RYLANDER

MONTEREY

Born and raised in Chicago, I spent my early years engaged in dancing, acrobatics, piano, art, water ballet, and Girl Scouts. After graduating at 17, I attended the University of Illinois, initially majoring in Medical Art before switching to Music Education, earning my BS in 1979 and Masters in 1980.

I met my husband Mark Ditmanson in college, and we moved to Silicon Valley following his electrical engineering degree. When California's Prop 13 eliminated arts education from schools, I pivoted from teaching to technology. From 1981-1998, I worked in training and OEM sales at companies including Vector Graphic, TeleVideo, Logitech, and Acer during Silicon Valley's early days.

After taking time off for my son's birth in 1998, I briefly returned to work at Multi-Tech. In 2000, Mark developed a low-cost teleprompter design, leading us to found Prompter People Inc. We initially operated from our Los Gatos home with four employees before moving to Campbell in 2004, where the business continues with Mark as CEO.

I retired in 2006 to focus on our son's activities and volunteer work. In 2020, we relocated to Monterey. Following the pandemic lockdown, I sought ways to engage with the community, leading to weekly volunteering at Meals on Wheels, joining a book club, attending regular Pilates classes, and enjoying the Monterey Peninsula by e-bike.

CHRISTIAN VERA-JAMES

PEBBLE BEACH

I'm Christian Vera James, born in 1976 in Mexico City. Though primarily raised there, I frequently visited family in the U.S. and traveled extensively with my parents, developing an early appreciation for different cultures. After completing my BA in Communication at Lewis and Clark College, I remained in the U.S. and launched my career in advertising.

In 2006, I moved to Los Angeles where I met my future husband. Following our daughter's birth in 2009, we relocated to Shanghai for my husband's work. Unable to work due to visa restrictions, I focused on family, freelanced as a Spanish translator, and trained as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. During our five years in China, we welcomed our second child, and I embraced the local culture's reverence for pregnancy and motherhood.

The pandemic prompted our move to California to be closer to family. In 2020, I became a U.S. citizen and immediately immersed myself in community life, eventually taking on the role of PTA President. This transition marked a new chapter in my journey, balancing community involvement with family life.

Currently, I work as an advertising consultant while continuing Spanish/English translations and Nutrition Health Coaching. Throughout my journey—from Mexico City to Shanghai to California—I've learned to embrace change and new opportunities, finding ways to blend my professional expertise with family life and community engagement.

Megan Whilden

Monterey

Megan Whilden is a fourth generation Monterey resident (her great-grandfather served as Mayor for 2 terms) dedicated to community advocacy. She recently returned home after two decades in Massachusetts where she was Board Chair for Berkshire County’s official Democratic organization, an elected member of her local Democratic ward committee, and a Berkshire NAACP board member for many years. She volunteered extensively with local, statewide and national Democratic campaigns. 

In 2016 she co-founded the Four Freedoms Coalition after the Presidential election to serve as a collective non-partisan voice during the Trump administration. The Four Freedoms Coalition had over 150 business and nonprofit members, and held an annual march, rallies and protests, and free civic engagement workshops on advocacy, issues, running for office and more. 

She was an early board member of WHEN, a local group helping elect progressive women to office. WHEN was featured in Ms. magazine and won an award from the Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus for its pioneering grassroots advocacy.

In Monterey she is an advisor to the Community Foundation for Monterey County’s Fund for Homeless Women, co-founded by her mother, Kathy Whilden, and has volunteered locally with Palenke Arts, the Center for Partnership Systems, the California Native Plant Society, Power Over Parkinsons, and other organizations, and is a member of Junior League of Monterey County and the Monterey Civic Club. 

Early in her career she worked in DC for AIDS United, the national policy and advocacy leader on AIDS research, treatment, and prevention. For more on her professional background, click here.

Ex-Officio Board Members

PRIS WALTON, Ph.D.

Carmel Valley

MONTHLY BOARD MEETINGS

The DWMC Board meets monthly on the second Monday of each month (except July and December) at 6:00pm. The location changes each month, spanning from South to North County. Wi-Fi/Internet permitting, we do our best to make the meetings hybrid.

Members of the public are welcome to speak at the beginning of each meeting, for 3 minutes before closed session. If more time is needed, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate.

For location information and/or for zoom link, email us.
** Please be sure to put: “ATTENDING BOARD MEETING” in the subject line and include in your email the issue you wish to speak on.