Natalie Baca: Champion of Students, Advocate for Change, Guide to Brighter Futures

Natalie Baca is a dedicated education professional, community advocate, and small business supporter with over two decades of experience serving students, families, and organizations. For the past three years, she has served as a Career Guidance Technician at Slover Mountain High School in the Colton Joint Unified School District, where she helps students explore career pathways, prepare for life after graduation, and connect with valuable resources. She also co-advises the school’s Associated Student Body (ASB), mentoring student leaders and organizing activities that strengthen school spirit and community involvement. In her role, she coordinates school-wide programs, manages events, and fosters strong partnerships between the school and the community.

Natalie’s career spans roles in education, community outreach, event coordination, and small business engagement, including her long-standing leadership with the Joe Baca Foundation, where she has organized fundraising events, secured scholarships for underprivileged students, and built impactful community programs. Growing up in a small business, family-owned travel agency, Natalie learned the values of hard work, dedication, and customer service from her parents – lessons she c carries into every role she takes on.

With over 15 years of experience as an instructional aide in special education, Natalie has learned to be a strong voice and advocate for her students. She encourages them to strive for learning, believe in themselves, and accomplish anything they set their hearts on. Known for her strong organizational skills, adaptability, and ability to connect with people, she excels in bringing ideas to life – from planning large-scale events to managing daily operations with precision and care.

Outside of her professional life, Natalie treasures time with her family – her two children, daughter-in-law, and beloved granddaughter – who mean the world to her. She is profoundly grateful to her parents and siblings, whose unwavering support has been a foundation throughout her journey. She finds strength and clarity through running, a hobby that has helped her overcome life’s obstacles, and she thanks God for every opportunity and life lesson that has shaped her path. Whether in the classroom, at a community event, or behind the scenes coordinating logistics, Natalie’s work reflects her belief that every individual has the potential to succeed when given the right resources, encouragement, and opportunities.

Lila Don: Resilient Leader, Safety Advocate, and Community Builder

Born at East L.A. General Hospital and raised in Boyle Heights, Lila Don is a self-made force in the safety industry with over 30 years of experience. As President and VP of Sales at SafetyVibe, Inc., she leads with unmatched passion, resilience, and expertise. Though she never pursued a formal college education, Lila’s ambition, quick wit, and deep commitment to keeping people safe have made her a trusted name in industry regulations, and safety supply solutions.

Her journey began early. At age 14, Lila and her sisters qualified for the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) program, which provided job training and employment opportunities for economically disadvantaged youth. She started working in customer service while attending Sacred Heart of Jesus School, balancing academics, sports, and work. Despite earning a 3.6 GPA and encouragement from counselors to pursue college, Lila and her sisters had to help their single mother pay rent and bills. Her early roles — including lifeguarding at the Lincoln Heights Boys & Girls Club — instilled a strong work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility.

Growing up in a household marked by instability and substance abuse, Lila faced her own struggles with addiction in her early years. Through faith, determination, and a commitment to personal growth, she overcame those challenges and emerged stronger—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Her journey toward wellness has shaped her leadership style, deepened her empathy, and fueled her drive to uplift others.

At 25, Lila joined SafetyWest, where her natural talent for customer care quickly stood out. Clients often told her, “You should be our salesperson—you’re the one who helps us the most!” When she asked for a sales opportunity, she was turned down — told the industry was male-dominated and she didn’t fit the mold. But Lila persisted. At 27, she finally got her shot and became the company’s #1 salesperson within four years. When her commissions were cut, she moved on, eventually partnering with others to start a business. After facing unfair partnerships and financial setbacks, Lila and her husband Chris launched SafetyVibe in 2004.

Starting from their garage in Monterey Park, they built the company from the ground up — hiring family, managing deliveries, and eventually moving into a commercial warehouse. The first decade brought slow growth and challenges, but Lila’s determination never wavered. She began hiring specialists in accounting, sales, and operations, forming what she now calls her “Dream Team.” Today, SafetyVibe is one of the most admired safety supply companies in the region.

In 2020, Lila faced her greatest personal loss: her son Christopher Paul passed away from an accidental fentanyl overdose. A gifted musician and vibrant soul, Christopher’s death shook Lila to her core. She stepped away from work for months, navigating grief with the help of faith, support groups, and her family. Through this journey, she found strength, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose. She now honors her son through Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) traditions and by helping others in grief.

Approaching 60, Lila remains vibrant, grateful, and committed to growth. Her story—marked by perseverance, recovery, and fierce love—continues to inspire admiration from colleagues, customers, and community leaders alike.

Ana Gonzalez: Driving Environmental Policy and Equity from Grassroots to Statewide Impact

Ana Gonzalez, a dedicated community advocate and organizer, was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and has made Rialto her home for the past 29 years. As a proud mother of two teenagers, Ana combines her passion for community service with her role as a parent, deeply committed to creating a healthier and more equitable environment for future generations. 

Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ), Ana leads a 46-year-old organization that tirelessly advocates for clean air and water in environmental justice communities. Under her leadership, CCAEJ has emerged as a formidable force for change, emphasizing the importance of intersectional solutions that bring diverse communities together to foster resilience and empowerment.

In addition to her advocacy work, Ana lends her expertise as a member of the South Coast Air Quality Management District's Environmental Justice Advisory Group and is the current Vice-Chair of the California Transportation Commission Interagency Equity Advisory Committee. These roles allow her to influence policy and decision-making processes that impact marginalized communities, ensuring their voices are heard in critical discussions about environmental health, safety, and social justice.

Ana's academic journey reflects her commitment to education, civic engagement, and small business empowerment. She earned her Associate Degrees in Business Administration, Liberal Studies, with an emphasis on Social and Behavioral Science and Humanities, from San Bernardino Valley College. She furthered her education by graduating from Cal State San Bernardino with a BA in Liberal Studies, focusing on K-8 education, and a Minor in Sociology. Her solid foundation in education, nonprofit/business management, and social justice advocacy equips her to address the multifaceted challenges faced by her community.

Additionally, Ana is a small business owner, consulting for small businesses and other non-profits to strengthen their administrative and accounting compliance. She was formally a General Contractor for 8 years, ran a residential construction business from the age of 18 years old, has expertise in permitting, home inspections and renovations.

Throughout her career, Ana has been recognized many times for her leadership, community service, and civic engagement.

Nicole Ramos: From Day Care Small Business to Transit Innovation – A Life Built on Care, Grit, and Vision

Nicole Ramos is a fifth-generation Californian whose life and leadership are deeply rooted in the Inland Empire. Born in Montebello and raised in Rancho Cucamonga—back when the area was still surrounded by vineyards—Nicole grew up in a household shaped by small business, sacrifice, and community care. Her mother ran a home-based day care for 40+ years, welcoming children who later returned as parents themselves. Nicole learned early what it meant to share her space, her belongings, and her mother’s time. “We lived it,” she says. “Small business is family.”

That tradition of mutual care and collective responsibility—so central to Latino family life—shaped Nicole’s values from childhood. Her son, now a college student, was lovingly cared for by his grandmother in the same Rancho Cucamonga home that buzzed with the energy of their family-run day care. Nicole still calls it home—a place where caregiving, entrepreneurship, and generational support have always lived side by side.

Nicole’s upbringing instilled a profound understanding of the challenges small businesses face — long hours, financial strain, and the emotional labor of caring for others. Her mother’s compassion was unwavering, often refusing to raise fees even in the face of rising costs. That caring foundation guides Nicole’s leadership today.

A first-generation college graduate, Nicole earned her degree from the University of La Verne; she later worked in its Public Affairs Office and at the Tomas Rivera Policy Institute. Her passion for communications and public service led her into the transit industry, where she has made a lasting mark. As the single mother of an adopted son, her priority was work/family balance.

Nicole serves in downtown San Bernardino. Her leadership style reflects the values she was raised with: professionalism rooted in family. Half of her department are Latinas, and many of her team members have worked alongside her for decades. “We bring a different perspective,” she says. “We ride the bus, attend community events, and build relationships with the people we serve, many of whom are small business owners.”

One of Nicole’s proudest accomplishments is the Free Fares for School Program, which she spearheaded to provide transit access for K–12 students. Initially launched by Omnitrans, the successful program expanded countywide and has served over 3 million students to date. Her commitment to equity is also evident in her work with the West Valley Business Outreach Program, which supports small businesses impacted by transit construction.

Nicole’s career began in an unexpected place — working in marketing for a NASCAR team in Georgia. That experience, coupled with the messages she heard growing up about women’s roles, fueled her belief that education and independence are essential. “You can have a family and a career,” she insists. “You can do both well, as so many Latinas are proving today.”

Her dedication has earned national awards for her professional work and heartfelt recognition for her volunteer efforts in her son’s school and sports team — showing her deep commitment to both career and community.

Drisha Melton: Faith-Led. Community-Rooted. Equity-Driven. Champion for Supplier Diversity and Public Service

Drisha Melton  is a Supplier Diversity Liaison at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), serving in the External Affairs Division with a focus on Supplier Diversity and Regulatory Policy. Her path to public service is a testament to faith, perseverance, and the transformative power of community.

Born in Meridian, Mississippi, Drisha was raised by a young, single mother who, at just 18 years old, made a courageous decision to seek a better life. With only $115 and a five-month-old baby in tow, she and her best friend boarded a Greyhound bus bound for California. They arrived with nowhere to stay and little to eat. On the second or third day, desperate and hungry, Drisha’s mother walked into a Santa Monica supermarket and began eating grapes. In that moment, a stranger approached her and asked if she was hungry and that he would be happy to get her something to eat. Her mother explained their situation and her need to find work. That stranger connected her to a social worker and an employment office. Within a week, she had a job and a place to live. Drisha’s mother always believed that man was an “angel” sent by God.

Faith has been the cornerstone of Drisha’s life ever since. Her mother worked tirelessly—first at GTE and Verizon for over 20 years, then at the Department of Corrections—instilling in Drisha a deep respect for hard work and integrity. Drisha grew up in Bloomington, California, and graduated from Bloomington High School. Drisha is an active member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in San Bernardino.

Her family expanded when her mother remarried, bringing new siblings, a shared Hispanic culture, and a beloved stepfather, Robert Lucero, who became “Grandpa” to the family. His passing in 2020, along with the loss of Drisha’s brother to alcoholism three years later, left lasting marks on her heart and deepened her commitment to being a source of strength for others.

Drisha is a proud first-generation college graduate. She attended an Historic Black College or University (HBCU) in Louisiana before completing her degree at Cal State San Bernardino. While working early in her career in the area of ophthalmology, Drisha eventually went to work for the CPUC, where her outgoing nature and passion for equity drew her to Supplier Diversity. She quickly became a fierce advocate for underrepresented businesses — connecting suppliers to opportunities, holding institutions accountable, and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.

Her work is more than a career — it’s a calling. Drisha lives by the principles of faith, service, and accountability. She often asks herself, “How would Mom see me now?” and uses that reflection to guide her choices. She’s known for her honesty, her refusal to play political games, and her unwavering belief in uplifting others. “We’re here to make society better,” she says. “Respect all of us. Be of service to each other.”

With a 23-year-old son and a legacy of leadership behind her, Drisha continues to push for a more inclusive and humane world—one supplier, one neighbor, one conversation at a time.

Elizabeth (Liz) Perez-Rodriguez: Champion of Clean Energy, Resilience, and Native Empowerment

Liz Perez is the CEO and founder of GC Green, Inc., a pioneering company advancing energy security and sustainability in underserved communities—including over 50 tribal nations. An enrolled member of the North Fork Rancheria Mono Indians of California with Salt River Pima heritage, Liz’s work is deeply rooted in her Native identity, military service, and commitment to equity.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Liz served nine years with distinction before transitioning to civilian life during a global recession. Facing homelessness as a single mother of two, she channeled adversity into action—launching GC Green over 15 years ago with a mission grounded in resilience, service, and environmental stewardship. Today, her firm holds multiple certifications—Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, Woman-Owned, Native American, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise—and delivers clean energy solutions that promote energy independence and reduce reliance on foreign oil.

Her leadership has earned national acclaim. In 2022, GC Green was named National Minority Veteran-Owned Firm of the Year. Liz has been honored as a White House Champion of Change and served as a U.S. Delegate to Israel and Japan for her work in sustainability. From 2017 to 2019, she held key roles at the California Department of Veterans Affairs, including Deputy Secretary, Tribal Liaison, and Disabled Veteran Business Advocate. Most recently, she was named a Tribal Champion and inducted into the 2024 Clean Energy Hall of Fame by the California Energy Commission.

Education has been a cornerstone of Liz’s journey. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and an MBA from Texas A&M’s Mays School of Business—becoming the first in her family to graduate high school, college, and graduate school. As the eldest sibling and cousin, she paved the way for others to pursue higher education.

Liz is a passionate advocate for Native representation, veteran empowerment, and inclusive entrepreneurship. She speaks candidly about the challenges she’s faced — especially navigating systems that selectively support small businesses—but her military background taught her to persevere. The loss of fellow service members, like Seaman Palmer of the USS Cole, fuels her drive to live with purpose and honor their legacy.

Beyond business, Liz is deeply involved in her community. She’s an active member of American Legion Post 365 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Vista, California. She’s also a proud mother and grandmother, finding joy in family moments—from school events to Dodgers games. Her daughter graduated from UC Santa Barbara, and her son plans to attend the Naval Academy.

Liz believes success is measured not by material wealth, but by the lives we touch and the legacy we build. She calls The National Center—the leading nonprofit supporting Native American business development—the “Ivy League” of Native entrepreneurship, and RES, the Reservation Economic Summit, its “Super Bowl.” Through GC Green and her continued advocacy, Liz Perez is lighting the path for others to rise, thrive, and lead.

Alicia Rivera Frankl: Mentoring filmmakers as entrepreneurs. Bridging finance and community through storytelling.

Alicia Rivera Frankl iis a trailblazing force in the entertainment industry whose life story spans continents, cultures, and careers. Born and raised in the Bronx’s housing projects to a Puerto Rican father and Jewish mother, Alicia’s early years were shaped by resilience, family closeness, and a hunger to rise. From sleeping in a single bed with her parents to buying her first brownstone at 22 with help from relatives, Alicia’s journey has always been rooted in community and determination.

She began her professional ascent on Wall Street, becoming one of the first Latinas hired by a major brokerage firm. Though she was studying to become a broker at the Institute of Finance, Alicia felt a spiritual calling to pivot—and she did. She left finance to pursue filmmaking, securing funding for her husband’s first show and launching a prolific career behind the scenes.

Alicia made history as the first Latina to head the accounting department at Paramount Studios, contributing to iconic productions like Shogun, Lethal Weapon, and Zorro. Her expertise in finance and production led her to serve as VP of Finance for Moctezuma Esparza and later co-found DragonTree Media, where she continues to mentor emerging filmmakers—especially Latinas—on budgeting, scheduling, and producing.

Fluent in Spanish and Hebrew, Alicia has lived and worked around the world, including a transformative period in Israel during wartime. She proudly identifies as a “Spanglish New Yorker” and plans to write A New Urican Goes to Tel Aviv, chronicling the challenges of navigating a foreign country without knowing the language.

Now approaching 80, Alicia remains a powerhouse of energy and wisdom. Despite enduring ten back surgeries and a heart operation, she reinvented herself after six and a half years of recovery, guided by faith and the belief that it’s never too late to start anew. Her grandmother’s mantra— “As long as God is in your life, you’re good”—continues to anchor her.

Alicia raised her children in Beverly Hills, worked tirelessly to provide for her family, and embraced her role as a “sugar mama” while her husband stayed home. Though divorced, she remains deeply connected to her children and grandchildren, and lives in Marina del Rey. Her son Rami is a writer and aspiring investment banker.

Alicia is a proud member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), where she served as Chair of the Latino Committee, and the International Alliance of Crew & Stage Employees (IA) as a production accountant. She views producers and directors as small business owners and champions their growth through mentorship and advocacy.

Whether dancing to salsa, teaching others to lead, or pushing the next generation to dream big, Alicia Rivera Frankl embodies the spirit of perseverance, representation, and reinvention. Her legacy is one of breaking barriers—and building bridges.