I joined the team in early September of 2022. I have experience serving numerous underserved populations from all ages and backgrounds; through my time working with non-profits from the past 6 years.

I was born and raised in the “Garlic Capital” of the world, Gilroy. Growing up I have always had the passion to support my communities and empower the youth. I believe our youth are tomorrows future and the only way to impact change is through education, support, and guidance. As a first-generation Latina, I was not guided a path, I believe it’s my responsibility now to pass down my expertise and knowledge to others to empower and assure them of their true potential.

I am currently pursuing my degree in Sociology, with the ambition to become a family and marriage therapist.

In my spare time I enjoy staying active by playing soccer, reading, baking, and traveling to new places.
(408) 593-0293

isabel@shinetogether.org

Hello my name is Vanessa Padilla but you can call me Ness/Nessa for short. I am 26 and was born and raised in Fresno, Ca. I have a Bachelors in Criminology-Corrections from Fresno State University. I myself was a apart of Teen Success back in 2012 when I was once a Teen Mom. I have an 11 year old son that means the entire world to me. My passion in life is just to simply help people in any way possible. Being able to be someone’s advocate and provide resources to those in need really drives me to be more involved and fully dedicated to my community. Having the opportunity to make a full circle in life by now being apart of this organization as an Advocate really means so much to me. Teen Success was a huge part of my life not only in helping me become the best mother I could possibly be but also shaping me into the person I am today. As much as I’m excited to be apart of this team and show what I have to offer I’m most excited to learn from the mothers I get to work with.

3 FUN FACTS ABOUT ME:

• DIE HARD 49ER FAN
• TRAIN IN JIU JITSU & MUAY THAI
• VERY FAMILY ORIENTED

vanessa@shinetogether.org

I was born in Hayward, lived in American Samoa for a time and raised in San Jose. Being a first generation college student, I realized my passion in helping others and thriving in a ‘it takes a village’ mentality in my work in youth development. In my career, I have developed my sense of helping to support underserved communities and being a catalyst in wanting to empower others by focusing on community assets. I earned my Bachelors in Sociology from San Francisco State University in 2015 and am an Americorps member as well. I am hoping to eventually earn my Masters in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work or Social Work.

During my free time I enjoy working out, roller blading, playing basketball/volleyball, live music, karaoke, cooking, camping/backpacking, hiking, and being out in nature!

Ashley G. was raised in Sacramento and attended American River College and San Francisco State University.  She has a lot of experiences working with a wide range of communities within Northern California such as mentoring college students to further their post-secondary education, youth programming, case management & providing local and statewide resources for families. Ashley’s interests are anything regarding spirituality ,music & art, and learning skills to better understand/develop oneself. She loves being outdoor, either hiking or being at a beach, and cares deeply about her family/ chosen family. A quote that she keeps in mind to keep her grounded is ” As long as the elephant walks slowly, one step at a time, they travel great, GREAT lengths and never destroys anything. As soon as an elephant starts to run and is in a hurry, everything is destroyed in its path.”

ashley@shinetogether.org