A little bit about me....
Hi. I'm Amy. I am proud to be a home-grown Central California native and someone who is deeply invested in my community. I was born in the San Francisco Bay Area and raised in Modesto, a city in Stanislaus County, which I like to think of as California's heartland. We grow good people, creative solutions to tough issues, and most of the world's almonds.
I have raised three beautiful and amazing children who are funny, talented, kind and thoughtful. I also have a wonderful husband who lights up my life and three dogs that seem to be good at only two things: cuddling and wreaking havoc.
I consider myself incredibly lucky that every day I get to to use my skills and interests to improve the lives of people around me. Working in healthcare communications, PR, and marketing, I work to inform people and advocate for them, increasing awareness of and access to critical services. I help people live a full and healthy life.
From a young age, I felt led to lead. I would direct the play activities in my friend groups, I was the student body president of my elementary school and was chosen for leadership opportunities often. I guess at times I was the "bossy" girl.
I graduated from California State University, Stanislaus in 2001 with a BA in Organizational Communication. After a brief encounter working in news media, and coming to realize that I am too optimistic for the that industry, I found my place serving in public sector communications, nonprofit marketing and development for the past 20 plus years. I love what I do and thrive on finding ways to overcome systemic challenges. I've been called tenacious, which I both appreciate and recognize in myself as a quality which manifests as being equally determined and stubborn!
A Little More...
"The Meaning of life is to find your gift, the purpose of life is to give it away." - Simon Sinek
Now that I have raised and released my children into the world, I am finishing a Masters degree and relishing the opportunity to learn and grow as a leader. My career in public relations and communications has allowed me to laser focus my efforts on building a better community; through teaching and mentoring, volunteerism, civic engagement, and nonprofit leadership in marketing and development.
I am passionate about supporting nonprofit efforts and community based organizations. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Stanislaus Family Justice Center, the Modesto Symphony, and the Stanislaus Education Foundation. In my free time, I like to run the trail near my home, travel with my husband, spend time with friends and outside in my rose garden.
My professional experience includes serving as the VP of Marketing and Fund Development for my regional United Way, working as the Public Information Officer for the City of Modesto and later as the Director of Legislative Affairs and Communications for Stanislaus County. All of this work has led me to where I am today, working as a Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for Golden Valley Health Centers. This nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center serves more than 170,000 patients per year (mostly low-income, underserved communities) through a network of about 50 clinics. At Golden Valley Health Centers, I oversee Government and Community Affairs as well as marketing. My team is passionate about serving our community and inspire me often.
I am naturally curious about others and believe that strangers are just people I haven't had a cup of coffee with yet. I enjoy connecting people, building community, empowering others and supporting the arts. I am proud to have received several awards, including the Modesto Bee’s 20 Under 40, the Stanislaus County Equal Rights Commission, Dale Butler Award and California Senator Alvarado Gil's Outstanding Woman Award.