meet the coordinating council
Dr. Ricky Gutierrez-Maldonado
Co-Director of Solidarity & Sustainability
ricky@nopalstockton.org
Ricky Gutierrez-Maldonado is a higher education leader and Ethnic Studies instructor. He co-directs Nopal and Raíz Café y Cultura. He enjoys good movies and shows, music, working out, traveling, and food.
Dra. Nancy Huante-Tzintzun
Co-Director of Research & Wellness
nancy@nopalstockton.org
Born in Michoacán, Mexico and raised in Stockton. Her work is driven by her lived experiences and fueled by projects rooted in social justice. She is an Assistant professor at Sacramento State University and Nopal Co-Director. As a Chicana scholar-activist and community organizer her love and passion for educación is felt and passed down to her daughters and the larger community in hopes they continue to build and create opportunities to engage with justice work for future generations.
Maurice Montoya
Co-Director of Community Building & Storytelling
maurice@nopalstockton.org
Maurice Montoya (he/him) is a Chicano multi-disciplinary artist, organizer, activist, and facilitator. As a first gen alumni of Hispanic Serving Institution, Sacramento State University, Maurice grew passionate about Ethnic Studies, Cultural Preservation, and Advocacy work throughout Northern California. Since graduating in 2021, Maurice has applied his efforts toward Indigenous, Chicanx, and Latinx serving organizations and non profits and has coordinated over 25 events throughout the region!
vacant
Immigrant Rights Community Organizer
@nopalstockton.org
vacant
Co-Director of Empowerment & Political Education
@nopalstockton.org
Meet the Mesa directiva
Gloria Alonso Cruz, Karla Garcia, Bianette Perez, Maria Abugarde Rayo, Jasmin Aleman
Maria abugarde rayo
Treasurer
Jasmin Aleman
Board Member
gloria alonso cruz
Secretary
Karla Garcia
Board Member
Karla Garcia (She/Her) was born and raised in Stockton. Karla joined Nopal as a Youth Power Intern in 2022 and graduated from Sacramento State with a BA in Sociology shortly after. Karla has always dreamed of helping others and bettering her community. Aside from working with Nopal, Karla works with a local non-profit based in San Joaquin County that strives to provide change in the community through advocacy and education. When not working, you can find Karla listening to a podcast, solving the daily Wordle, or taking a nap with her three cats.
Bianette Perez
President
Bianette is a second-generation immigrant born and raised in Stockton, California. She’s a Youth Programs Director at the nonprofit Little Manila Rising and a Nopal Youth Power Intern. Through her work, she seeks to empower young people and continue advocating for her community.
meet the youth power interns
Hilda Cabello - Garcia
Nopal Youth Power Intern
Growing up in Stockton shaped my passion for community advocacy and shaping public policy. I’m currently studying Political Science Public Service at UC Davis, and am super excited to join Nopal this summer!
Alondra Lopez
Nopal Youth Power Intern
Hello everyone! I am Alondra Lopez and I’m excited to take on this new role as a Youth Power Intern for Nopal. Along with this role I am also a student at Sac State, majoring in Liberal Studies. I can’t wait for what Nopal and this new role will hold for me!
Nayely Contreras
Nopal Youth Power Intern
I am a recent graduate from Sac State with a degree in Political Science. I am passionate about immigration justice and human rights, and I hope to pursue a career in law advocating for immigrant communities as well as youth groups. Through my academic work and community involvement, I focus on issues surrounding immigration policy, equity, and access to justice.
Cecilia Solis
Hello my name is Cecilia Solis, I’m a current student in CSU Stanislaus majoring in Ethnic Studies. I am a first generation immigrant. Fun fact: I am from Michoacán.
Juliana Arellano
Nopal Youth Power Intern
Hi guys! My name is Juliana! I am a third year econ major, and I am very excited to be a part of the Nopal family to develop my skills, use my voice and hopefully make an impact on people!
Karmen Cortes
Nopal Youth Power Intern
Karmen Cortes (she/her/ella) was born and raised in Stockton, California, and carries a deep love and commitment to the community that shaped her. Her work and the way she shows up in the world are rooted in relationships, trust, and a genuine desire to see Stockton thrive.
She is currently a Sociology student at Sacramento State, with a minor in Nonprofit Management, while working at Edge Collaborative. Her work is rooted in creating space for community, bringing people together, and building real relationships.
Outside of work and school, Karmen serves as a youth leader at her church, which is one of the most meaningful parts of her life. She’s passionate about pouring into young people, walking alongside them, and creating spaces where they feel seen, supported, and encouraged to grow into who they’re called to be.
meet our volunteers
Mirella guzman
Nopal Volunteer
Mirella is a graduate student at Sac State in the Department of Ethnic Studies. She is passionate about educational equity and helping first-generation college students navigate higher education. She is a proud first-gen Chicana born and raised in Bakersfield, CA. She loves being out in nature, eating fruta, and spending time with her family <3
Daniela perez
Nopal Volunteer
Daniela Perez is a recent Computer Science grad from Sacramento State. She has a strong passion for cybersecurity and giving back to her community. She joined the Nopal / Raíz team in 2024 and has since contributed to the development of their website and newsletter.
Nopal’s Organizational Structure
Mesa Directiva (5 members)
Mix of young people and adults (intergenerational governance)
Holds mission, ethics, and fiscal responsibility
Protects Nopal’s political and cultural integrity
Steps in for big decisions, not day-to-day work
Coordinating Council (4 co-directors)
Runs daily operations, manages partnerships, and works with Youth Power Interns
Connects strategy (Mesa) to practice (Collective)
Models intergenerational collaboration and co-decision-making
Youth Power Collective (6-8 members)
Entirely youth-led space (ages 15–25)
6-8 Youth Power Interns facilitate space
Designs and drives programs, storytelling, and organizing
Builds youth and community base
