Isai Pazos has been a community organizer for over two decades and has volunteered for many years with the oaxaqueño community in Los Angeles and with Senderos in Santa Cruz, helping with our Guelaguetza and other events. Isai is Zapotec from the community of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, Oaxaca. He comes from a family of immigrants and understands the needs of immigrant youth and families. Isai is trilingual, speaking Zapotec, Spanish, and English.
Isai’s most recent position was Director of Community Affairs with CIELO (Comunidades Indígenas en Liderazgo) in Los Angeles. He has served as President of the California nonprofit ORO (Regional Organization of Oaxaca) and has been instrumental in coordinating the nationally respected Guelaguetza events in Los Angeles, as well as supporting other communities in California to organize festivals.
Isai is a graduate of California State University, Los Angeles and has guided many young people towards higher education and cultural enrichment. He founded two businesses, one focused on marketing and the other promoting cultural roots and traditions. In his work with various Indigenous communities he has served in a community liaison role with the Mexican and Guatemalan Consulates. His experience includes establishing citizenship workshops, teaching folkloric dance, and revitalizing ancestral practices like wood carving and weaving. He understands and appreciates the depth and differences of each tradition and culture.
Upon joining Senderos Isai stated, “I am very excited to join Senderos which has been at the forefront of Indigenous cultural arts programming for over 20 years and also supporting educational opportunities for Latino youth and families. It’s beautiful to be surrounded by talented and dedicated people working together towards a common purpose. I am grateful for the opportunity to work closely with co-founders Maestra Fe Silva-Robles and Dra. Nereida Robles Vásquez, the Board of Trustees, cultural arts Instructors, and the community. Together we are strong, and I know our teamwork will make us reach our goals and achieve greatness as an organization.”
Executive Director,
Isai Pazos
Carla Suarez Soto
Carla Suarez Soto is a PhD student in the Education department at UC Santa Cruz and is originally from Santa Rosa, California. She is the daughter of Mexican immigrants and grew up speaking Spanish with her family. Carla holds a BA in Linguistics, Spanish, and Italian from UC Santa Barbara. Currently, she is working with Senderos as part of a fellowship from UCSC’s Humanities Institute. Carla hopes to do community-based research with Senderos, exploring how the organization supports the culture of the Latinx community in Santa Cruz.
Board of Trustees
Bicultural Therapist School
Adriana Rodriguez-Reyes works as a bilingual and bicultural therapist at a federally qualified health center, where she is deeply committed to bridging the gaps that language and cultural differences create. By providing culturally sensitive care she aims to reduce stigma and increase mental health awareness and access within historically marginalized communities. She pursued her education at San Jose State University, earning her Master of Social Work degree and PPS-CWA credentials. In her leisure time, she finds joy in outdoor activities and cherishing moments with her feline companions
Board Treasurer, Retired City Manager for the City of Santa Cruz
Martin Bernal served in the public sector for over 30 years retiring in 2021 after 24 years with the City of Santa Cruz, 11 as City Manager and 13 as Assistant City Manager. As City Manager, Martin was chief executive officer for an organization of 900 employees and a $300 million annual budget.
Martin has served on a number of non-profit boards including the Nueva Vista Community Resources, Community Bridges, Second Harvest Food Bank, and Leadership Santa Cruz. Martin is the son of former farmworkers who immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico and was the first in his family to receive a college degree. Martin received his Bachelor in Urban Studies from Stanford University and a Masters in Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. Martin is married to Martha, a local family doctor and has three children and one granddaughter.
Board President and Retired Principal, Branciforte Small Schools Campus
Curt encountered Senderos through working with Nereida Robles in 2002 and has been a supporter of Senderos (and Nereida!) ever since. He retired from Santa Cruz City Schools in 2011 as the principal of the Branciforte Small Schools Campus. Curt teaches mindfulness at the Santa Cruz County Jail and enjoys time biking, gardening, and playing with his granddaughter. Curt finds inspiration in the Senderos community, especially the proudly bi-cultural children and youth.
Senderos Parent, Restaurant owner
Elena Gonzalez has been an actively involved Senderos parent for many years. Her two daughters have danced with Centeotl Danza y Baile. Elena and her husband Gerardo own Taqueria Agave in Santa Cruz.
Senderos Parent
Florencia Lopez has been an actively involved Senderos parent for many years. Her son Julio has danced with Centeotl Danza y Baile.
Assistant Director of Scholar Funding for Knight-Hennessy Scholars, Stanford University
Perla is a daughter of Mexican immigrants from the states of Oaxaca and Durango, and also a first-generation college graduate from San Jose, California. She earned a B.A. in Politics and Latin American and Latino Studies from UC Santa Cruz, an M.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Masters in Public Administration from San José State University. Perla has a passion for educational equity and community involvement which is carried out through her participation in the mentorship of college students and as a Board Trustee for Senderos.
Board Advisors
Retired Superintendent, Santa Cruz City Schools
Gary started his career as a bilingual elementary teacher and has served in a number of leadership roles in K-12 and higher education. Most recently, he served as Superintendent of Santa Cruz City Schools. Gary has consulted with education systems in Central and South America and continues to work with school leaders in California and beyond, while nurturing his commitment to our local community.
Retired Executive Director, Encompass Community Services
Carolyn retired in 2014 as the Executive Director of Encompass Community Services, the largest multi-service nonprofit in Santa Cruz County. Carolyn holds an M.B.A. from Santa Clara University and had previously worked as the CFO of Encompass. Carolyn has served on many Boards and commissions, including United Way, Santa Cruz Education Foundation, and the Criminal Justice Council. Carolyn is inspired by the spirit, creativity, and dedication of the Senderos community.
Retired Associate Superintendent, Santa Cruz County Office of Education
Mary Anne James has been involved with Senderos since its founding. A life long educator, she is committed to empowering Latinx youth and their families through educational and cultural enrichment.
Assistant Vice President of Risk Management, Bay Federal Credit Union
Lucy Sierra is Assistant Vice President of Risk Management at Bay Federal Credit Union where she oversees Audit, Compliance and Fraud. She served on the Board from 2018-2021 and continues to serve on the Finance Committee. Lucy believes in Senderos’s vision and mission of creating an environment that promotes harmony, breaks stereotypes and encourages academic success.